Bike Forums - Hello from Wisconsin!

Hi all! I have been lurking on the forum for a while. I come from a cycling family - my old man has never had a driver's license. I am originally from Seattle. I have not owned a car since 2000, and I am pretty happy about it. I was in the Marine Corps in the early 1990s. I am in graduate school now. I study folklore and Scandinavian Studies - I know, I know: yes, there really is such a thing. I ride to work, school and every where else as much as possible. My real joy is touring. I am getting ready for my longest one yet. One thing I am really working on is being kind to pedestrians and other cyclists, riding on the road properly and not apologizing to cars. I have discovered that I feel that bike paths are boring compared to riding on rural roads. I only have one bike right now - a 2006 Bianchi Castro Valley. I bought it in Seattle and I loved it. I have since modified it - 3 x 9, bar end shifters, and a few other things. I used to have 67 Raleigh, but I gave it to my ex-wife in the divorce: she promised to take very good care of it :). I love bicycling and I when it is in the shop (I am still learning how to fix things - I need more tools and a bike stand!) I feel a bit lost.
Cheers and see you all on the road!
Jason