LBM: we just keep going! Kaotical and Cyclaholic: great posts! I think the geo. distribution is great, as well -- lots of perspectives. Some of us do some pretty impressive mileage, as well; mine is nothing in comparison, but even so, averaging 20+kms. day over 9+ months does add up on a year-on-year basis, I've found, once all the 'extended' rides are factored in.
Not to brag, but I will anyway -- just got my bi-annual physical results last week; I'm 56, 5'9", 148 lbs weight, blood pressure/good-bad cholesterol (sp?) numbers all bog normal, and resting h/r of 55. This is ENTIRELY the result of the addiction to cycling I (re)discovered in '02 (at which time couldn't walk up a flight of stairs w/o wheezing), and have pursued since. So, the way I figure it I'm saving myself money (well, in theory, though some of that goes on upgrades to the BlueBeast [my bike]), improving my health (physical and emotional), indulging in the 'guy thing' for mechanical/engineering- related piddling about, having one h_ll uv a lot of fun, AND (for me, last but by no means least) making (however small) a contribution to environmental conservation -- all as a result of one activity/passion; what could be better? Putting it another way, I do devote time and a bit of money to being an SBC, but have NO GUILT!