Well, I'm finally making some progress after some false starts. It's been about three years off the bicycles, with major stomach surgery in August '99 not helping things any--that took a year to completely heal. But now I'm getting out and about--not commuting to work, for I retired in December '99, but commuting is what it still feels like, 'cause I use my bikes for shopping, all my riding is in town, and it's the same kind of riding as when I rode to work and back every day.

I was able to go 12.5 miles the other day with no strain. Today I rode to the City Market (farmers' market) and back home in heavy traffic (cars lined up for several blocks, rush hour) and felt almost as confident as when I was used to it. So I'm happy about that.

At the City Market, I met a young woman who cycles, "in season," 300 to 500 miles a week! She invited me to a weekly ride that leaves from the cycle shop I always go to, and covers roads pretty much in my neighborhood. Something to look forward to!

Maybe life begins at 61. I don't even remember 40.