I've taken two 3yr layoffs (off 'any' bike) in the past 16yrs ... and some of my cycling friends thought I had given it up. It was more of a swapping of priorities (i.e. both times ... unemployed and found a new job that required a lot of travel.) However, I KNEW I'd always be a cyclist and would just take a few yrs off. Well, now I'm BACK ... and don't see myself going anywhere! I have a new single and a new tandem.
Give him a little time ... you never know.
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-\Brian
18' Landshark Tandem - Custom
15' Wabi Special Single-Speed Road
06' Cannondale Six13 TeamOne
06' Cannondale Prophet 3 "Lefty"
92' Trek 5200