Great thread and I often feel the same. Once in a while the old legs get an urge to power up a short hill and what a feeling that is. When the bike is tuned and quiet and I'm feeling strong, it's even better than 17 because I have more money now and have a better bike! I'm "training" for a X-C tour this summer, slightly increasing my normal riding, and realized the other day that it's not like "training" at all--that implies work. Every ride has been a fun day. I can't wait to get out there and ride all day, every day, all summer.