Machka -
I'm probably twenty years older than you and could have a big house and new car and all kinds of pension plans had I opted for the nine-to-five. Instead, I have a perspective on things which is pretty rare and hard to come by. Now that I'm pushing fifty, I have a lot of friends who say they envy me. Of course, they all have health insurance, but as I like to say, my cycling is my health policy. Twenty years ago, I was stuck doing the same thing every day until I realized that nothing would change until something changed. Bicycle touring saved my life. I didn't realize it at the time, but now I do. So is there a price tag for that?
John