This bike forum, ain't it somethin'! Hat's off to the Webmaser--ta, mate! Where else would you get to meet so many interesting people? Also, I'm really glad this is such a civilized forum. I'm looking forward to learning something.
Thanks for the tip about the need for upper body exercises, Dr. Rivegauche. And though I've never been to China, I was impressed by some news footage of rush hour in a major Chinese city. Sort of like one in America, only with bikes instead of cars (and they were actually moving).
I am not anti-car, but I would love to see a mass exodus from its overuse. When was the last time you pulled up to another car at a red light, rolled your window down, and said, "Hello! Great day, isn't it?" Does an automobile culture contribute to a social anxiety? Are people really better off shut up indoors all the time (or in cars)?
Perhaps someday, though maybe not in our lifetimes, the flame we have kept alive will be eagerly sought for
by people who have finally had too much of a good thing.