Must be I'm the exception that proves the rule.

I had a whole litany of issues starting in my earlier life. I even had a rheumatologist in my mid-20s. Told me I could be in a wheelchair by 40, or not at all, depending on how things worked out.

Taking up cycling at 49 was a last-ditch effort. By 50 nearly all my troubles had disappeared and by 51 I felt better than I ever had in my life.

This is the year I'm supposed to have my heart attack. All the males on both sides of the family have had their first MI by age 55, with my dad and his dad saving it for the double-nickel. I turn 56 next month. If I make it, I'll be the first in three generations on one side, two generations on the other.

Meanwhile, I'm the oldest son and both of my younger brothers have had several knee surgeries. My dad has two titanium ones--still can't walk. Mine are fine.

The only remaining trouble is, well, you don't want to be waiting behind me to pee. Please, you go first. I can wait.