I turned 50 last October. No big deal right? Just another anniversary of my birth.

Several days later I caught a glimpse of myself walking naked past a mirror. Not the pretty sight I'd imagined. At nearly 230 lbs on my 6'1" frame, my fairly sedentary lifestyle and poor eating habits had helped the natural aging process along. I smoked & drank way too much and other than the daily 15 miles I walk at work (Department Manager in a large retailer), my exercise program was nil.

What was I thinking. I had purchased a nice bike back in California before I relocated to the Midwest. Winter was coming on; the overeating and fat storing season for me. I vowed to dust the bike off come spring and start riding more.

Last week I commuted to work by bicycle for the first time (a 22 mile RT) and have executed several leisurely (12 mph avg, 15-25 miles) rides on my days off.

As I was returning home today on my 21 mile ride, ripping through my small Midwest town. I had this overwhelming feeling of being 17 again. Up out of the saddle, driving hard with my legs a pumping. When I was 17, I rode a 1976 Schwinn Varsity daily. It was my main mode of transportation. I would ride it to my girlfriend's house; some 17 miles away or to the local golf course where I would play a round with some classmates.

I've lost 20 lbs and quit smoking and drinking since pulling my Trek out of it's winter home in March. I look forward to my rides, like a kid looks forward to cake and I can't help but smile when that feeling comes over me while peddling away.

Anyone else have a similar experience?