In my opinion, daily riding, not wanting to use a car for your daily transportation, is what makes a cyclist serious about cycling. Weekend club riders, that drive to the start points, are in the bike tribe, but not on the 'mad about biking' team.

1972, rode a 50 miler for charity in 75 or 76. rode to school, paperboy, etc.

Began adult, 'who gives a darn' commuting in 1985. riding at night, thru storm and snow, becuase its great to be out there. Began solo bike touring in the mid eighties as well.

Took a couple of years off to be tragically hip and party way too much, began to ride in a major American metro city in 1993.

Have progressed to an aversion to driving or buying gasoline. Drove to work one day last year, never drove to the grocery store. Take most of my vacations and weekend trips on my bike.

Why drive when you can bike?

seriously since 1985.