The first week was the hard one for me. I rode everyday, but had a hard time of getting past the 5 to 8 mile mark. Then in the second week, the mileage per ride jumped to 12 to 15 miles. It was three months before climbing was anything less than torture. After that it was a matter of getting my backside used to being in the saddle for periods over an hour in length.

As I watched my two adult sons get into riding, I saw them take a similar path. Their first week was filled with short rides, followed by a gradual (but faster than mine) ability to go longer and harder.

The thought of giving up never entered my mind. I think it's because I rode long and hard in my 20s. I remembered the thrills, sense of accomplishment, and just general good feelings that came from riding. This is where those of us coming back to cycling have an advantage. We already know how good it can be, and we're just trying to get back there.