I took seven years off the bike, starting in 2000.
During those seven years, I got fat and lazy. In the spring of 2007, 2 months shy of my 50th bithday, I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease. That was my wakeup call to get my life back in order.
My 50th was the best birthday I ever had. I lost 50 pounds in five months, and have learned to live with Crohn's.
Now, ever day is a good day! And every day I can ride, it's a great day!