What inspired you to start cycling, and how has it changed your life since then?

Is it really cycling that has changed peoples lives, or is it just the smug sense of self-satisfaction they get from wearing lycra and telling everyone about their epic 20-mile rides on the weekends? Do people actually start cycling because they genuinely love the sport, or is it just a midlife crisis attempt to relive their glory days? And lets be real, how many of you were actually inspired by the thrill of cycling, versus being peer-pressured into buying a bike by your cycling buddies who just wont shut up about it? Be honest, was it the promise of weight loss, the desire to get fit, or just the need to justify buying a bunch of overpriced kit that got you into cycling? And has it actually changed your life, or are you just using it as an excuse to spend more time away from your significant others and eat more cake?