I smoked for about 34 years (quit a couple of times, in the latter 6 years of that). I actually started riding daily before the last relapse. The relapse lasted for about 6 months (last year even). I agree that riding was becoming such an inconvenience. Started with, "ok, one more smokke before riding to work." ended with jumping in the car instead, so I could smoke another before starting work. We (wife and I ) decided it was time...for good (She had never quit before...and the reason I relapsed so easily). Well, it's been a solid year since I smoked a cig, and I will never go back. I love riding more than smoking, and I can't have them both. (I'm 52 now) My wife has been cig free since December, so the 1 year mark is coming up for her. She is riding more and faster now too.

I will say though, the other kind of smoke (legal in some states) doesn't seem to have any effects on performance. As long as my water bottle is full, I can ride and ride, and ride, and enjoy every minute of it.