I am 56 years old and live in a rural area southeast of Guelph, Ontario, Canada. I biked a great deal in my youth until about my mid-30's. The last bike I owned was a Nishiki International that I rode when I lived in Toronto.

A desire to improve my fitness got me back into biking and 3 months ago I purchased a Specialized Cross Trail from a very good LBS. I chose this bike because I would be mostly on pavement but wanted something that could be used on dirt roads, paths and our country property. I am very happy with the bike.

I'm riding 3 or 4 times a week with distances of 20 to 30kms per outing. I keep track of distances and times with a portable Garmin GPS unit that is attached to the bike.

What is starting to happen as my stamina slowly improves is that biking is transitioning into a mode of transportation. If I need to go the 15 or 20 kms. into town I'm now determining whether I need to take the truck or whether I can bike in. A rear carrier and pannier bags are definitely in my future.

My immediate plans include cycling through the winter. I'm not sure how well it will work out but I intend to do my best.

I'd forgotten just how much fun cycling is. I'm glad to have found it again.