Wow -- this thread's three and a half years running! I'm Lane from Austin, TX. Cycling has changed my life. Long ago -- as a child, actually -- I discovered the freedom of cycling, and I started doing real miles about fifteen years ago. About six years ago, I started commuting. I've sold my car (man, what a savings!) and am in the best shape I've ever been in. I've become involved with our local government to make our city more amenable to cycling as transportation. Recently, I've become interested in racing, but I'm fairly clueless. I'm 40 years old, so likely would race in masters. First, I need a bike. (My commuter is a Trek touring bike.) So, I've been shopping around, and training on my old Peugot road bike. I'm also interested in doing some real touring someday.