I used to run to keep fit and stay fit for scuba diving. Knee said no to running. Then turned to cycling with encouragement of a friend. Real addict now. As of today did 3,060 miles so far this year. On the bike at least 4 days out of 7.
I suffered a rotor cuff tear April 25 and in the intrem have still put on almost 500 miles even though it has slowed me down a bit. Love cycle touring.
Since I have not been diving once so far this year, guess cycling has almost replaced diving. Sometime in the Fall I will get in a dive.

been cycling since I was a toddler, it's just something I always have done.

Got serious about touring at 13 or 14, when I went on my wee bike for a day trip with some pals. Took sandwiches and cycled over the hills to a neighbouring village (other side of the world :D), and got hooked.

I'm the ONLY one in our family who cycles at all.

I didn't really learn to ride a bike until I was 12. I was a very unco-ordinated kid. If it wasn't for the perserverence of my old mates from Werris Creek, I doubt I would have learned at all. I cycled on and off through my teens at various stages. However, it wasn't until I came to the Gold Coast at 18 that I got into it seriously. The first time I rode Springbrook the first time it nearly killed me. However I stuck it out, made it to Purlingbrook falls (not actually the top of the mountain, but a significant milestone as far as I'm concerned), and took a photo.

That photo didn't work very well (I wasn't much of a photographer at that stage), but it changed my life completely. About a week later I had that bike stolen (yes, my effort last month wasn't the first). At that time I was unemployed with no prospects of finding a job, no money, and as far as I was concerned, no hope.

However, every time I looked at that photo I thought back on the memorable day I had riding up the mountain, and the sheer beauty of the falls. It gave me hope. The breakthrough came when I was asked to help someone out with some renovations - hard work for sh*t pay - but it bought me a new bike. I could ride the mountains again.

I soon found that I wanted to go further afield, and did so. Now I had a purpose - and my life changed for the better. From that point forward I was hooked on riding. It's taken me to places I would never have even thought of going - and it's helped me appreciate things I had never previously appreciated.

I now know that every time things are difficult in any facet of life, I need only ride Springbrook again. I will have a new perspective on these matters.

That's exactly how I feel about cycling. Well said, Chris.

I rode a lot in my late teens, but then cars took over. I bought a Huffy at Walmart in '92 cuz I wanted to get back in shape and 'relive' my biking days. I've been hooked ever since. I got my first full suspension this season and I'm riding the crap out of it! I feel FREE and love being out on my bike for hours at a time.

I wanted to lose weight and while doing so, I fell in love with the sport because of its calming effects of the mind!

Just have to say thanks guys for the inspirational stories!

Can't wait to get out on my bike!!
:D

Why the bike? Well about seven and a half months ago I decided that I wanted to get fit again so I decided to get a bike. That has been one of the greatest decisions I've made in my life. Two months after I started riding I stopped smoking and haven't felt so good in a long time. I ride primarily for fitness, but cycling offers such great secondary bonuses as transportation, exploration, and stress relief.

Anyway, I'm glad to hear everyone is enjoying cycling as much as me, keep it up.