I keep reading these epiphanic posts where the OP feels the need to explain his/her motivations for riding a bicycle. I mean, let's get real: most of us (me included) are fat, middle-aged, working schlubs with family responsibility, with no discernible athletic ability other than to mount a device with two wheels and push the pedals on it. Did some of you really think you would be riding for Garmin or CSC after a year of "weekend warrior" rides? Also, what's the obsession with speed? Unless you're racing, running from bears or find yourself in the wrong part of town, what's the point? Relax. Take in the scenery. Enjoy another macchiato. When the phone rings, it won't be a team sponsor asking you to get your stuff, you've made the team. It'll be your wife asking about your whereabouts because you need to come home and watch the kids.