Just started back after a layoff...wonder why I ever stopped. Took a cycle tour of Ireland/Wales in the summer of '98. 7 weeks @ 40 miles per day. The best time period of my adult life. Met incredible people. Still am in touch w/several I met. Learned a ton about myself and others. Highly recommend making the effort. In the words of my son(13 at the time) "Dad when you first told me about the Ireland trip I thought it was kinda strange, but now I think it totally rules!" Couldn't agree more.