I am age 64 and an ex-overweight, ex-smoker. My snotty-nosed, punk-kid, road-cyclist doctor told me at an appoint last year that my "ticker" was in great shape. Had I not engaged in the sport or hobby (whichever?) of cycling, I suspect that my physical condition would not be anywhere near as good as it is. Furthermore, I suspect that my psychological condition would not be nearly as good as it is. I find rides of almost any length to be cathartic.