Originally Posted by Walter S

My father lived a fairly unhealthy lifestyle. He ate a lot of rich food, lot's of red meat and desserts, got nearly no exercise, and died of a heart attack at age 57. At the time, I was 35. I was already a relatively serious cyclist. But I know his death motivated me more. That was nearly 20 years ago. Now I'm 54.

There are so many opinions about what will bring good health. But as I evaluate things I tend to think "don't do what your father did". I was already thinking that a long time before he died. I became a vegetarian at age 15. Today I ride my bicycle about 15K miles per year. I don't own a car and I commute 40 miles RT to work each day. I run errands (like grocery shopping) with a Croozer cargo trailer. I look great, I feel great, I like myself.

There are no guarantees. I tell myself that I could die just like my father did. But what I'm not going to do is live like my father did. I love to bicycle. I love to vacation on my bicycle and tour the countryside. When I can retire I'd like to do that for probably multiple years away from home. I love the adventure.

So when I DO die, I want to go having led a happy and fulfilled life. I want to be a person that respects himself and loves nature. I'm well on my way to being that guy and that makes me feel good inside. Riding the bicycle is all about preserving my fitness and doing what I enjoy most.