Rode my first bike in 1957 but wasn't what I'd call an avid cyclist until around 1992, when I started bike commuting to work and riding for fun on weekends. Loaded touring was my ex-girlfriend's fault. She talked me into strapping a couple of backpacks on the rear rack of my mtb and riding from Phoenix to Tucson on an indirect route through the mountains in 1995. Best vacation I ever had. Didn't do another loaded tour until I retired in 2008, but have done 5 more since in 9 different countries.