I'm 52 with severe lumbar stenosis. Neurosurgeon told me last year that my lumbar spine was in the condition of most of his patients in their 70's. Walking and standing can be pretty painful but riding a bike is awesome in opening the space in the spine and taking pressure off the nerves. For the past three months I've been dealing with a cervical spine issue where my left arm has pain and tingles all the way to the fingers when I lift my head up. That makes it pretty tough on a cyclist because I can't keep my head up looking ahead for much time before having to focus again off the front wheel to stop the nerve tingling. After 5-10 miles the neck loosens a little and it gets a little more comfortable but there's still constant neck pain.

Other situations - had a nerve removed from my right foot (Morton's neuroma) so I could ride. The condition prevented me from going more than 10 miles without severe foot pain. Finally, three meniscus knee surgeries mean I can't really run anymore so that means riding.

Cycling has been there for me since the early 1980's and has always been the one activity I can go to that is the easiest on my body. And all I ride are classic and vintage bikes. I don't really have a desire for a new one. I love the simplicity, lines and comfort of a classic old steel bike especially on our rougher roads.