Maybe this was the true cost of cycling for YOU. But i highly doubt this is the true cost of cycling for most riders. Like just about every single thing in this country, you can spend whatever you want. But you don't have to spend $2,000. I hope nobody stumbles onto this thread in the future and actually believes that.
It's sort of like eating at the Tavern On the Green 3 times a day all year long. At the end of the year you could possibly have spent over $150,000 eating out. Then you could arrive at the conclusion that eating out is expensive. Or you could look at this other guy, who ate at McDonald's, Subway and other places and ordered inexpensive items. He might have spent $2500 eating out every meal for the whole year! That is likely cheaper than he could eat at home. (considering he is just feeding himself.)
Again, just because you spent two grand last year doesn't mean that is the true cost of cycling.