What I'm saying is this: in the last two weeks, I've met a Type II diabetes patient whose blood sugar levels normalized after a year of daily cycling and will be off all medication soon. Now I read that daily cycling can displace friggin angioplasty for heart patients.

It would appear that you could make a rather cogent argument for the massive savings that might accrue to our health system if insurers and Medicare considered outfitting some patients with $3K worth of bicycle and accessories vs. pricier angioplasty or remedial therapies for diabetes. It really is a bit mind blowing to me.

Yes, I know it's not practical, but it really is amazing how effectively this illustrates how many serious health issues are correctable with lifestyle changes readily available to most patients.

Of course I ride for other reasons (as do many of us) but the health benefits are a HUGE reward we earn for all these gerbil wheel miles we ride.