Thanks for the compliment but I really don't see myself being an exception to any rule. I see myself as someone who is willing to do whatever it takes to achieve my goal; in this case pain free riding. Like every 71 year old person, I have aches and pains related to just being 71. So, what I don't need is more aches and pains from outside influences, such as cycling. I also have chronic anemia, secondary to chronic leukemia. Until I figured out a way to compensate for it, a 20 mile ride would totally wear me out. Saying "there's little or nothing I can do about it" was not an option. It took me a while (lots of research and trial and error) but I did overcome the anemia issue, which no longer affects my rides.

Since I retired, cycling has become a way of life for me. Every morning I have my breakfast and go out to do a 40-60 mile bike ride. Sometimes, I do more but very seldom do I do less. Cycling is very high on the list of my life's priorities so if it takes a spending some extra time and/or money to resolve an issue that may inadvertently arise, I'm more than willing to do it.

One of my riding buddies comes out and rides with me 3 or 4 times a week. He has a lot of bad habits and is always complaining about something hurting him after a ride. His problem is that he's not willing to do anything to change it. In his case, much of his problems would be gone if he loses around 100 pounds. Personally, I think he's riding for the wrong reason. Whatever his reason for riding, if he's not willing to look for and make changes, today's ride will be the same as yesterday's and tomorrow's ride will be the same as today's.