Thanks, guys. I was thinking that my story might not be so atypical, and that the things that worked (or didn't work) for me would help others in a similar situation. Of course, not everyone wants to ride socially although that's worked for me very well. Not everyone has the time to ride as much as I have, but I think many of the things that worked for me also apply to those who ride less than I. When it comes down to it, it is how much you ride that determines how well or strongly you ride. It has to be fun enough to cause you to do it some more, even after you've made the first very difficult step. When I read some of the stories other 50+ folks have to tell, it is clear that there are many paths. What is also clear is that people are having fun with their cycling.
-soma5