Nice stories. It makes me want to get out on the trail and start riding again. I was never a serious cyclist, but enjoyed cycling when I did. I think my bike doesn’t fit me well, though. Need to give that one to my daughter and get a new one. If prefer mountain type bikes.
I have one of each. Bought a new mountain bike this year. My kid outgrew his so I did the right thing and gave him mine.
My road bike is more fun, but where I moved is not all that conducive to riding.
I’ve gone form 1500 a year to maybe 150. I also used to be able to ride to work. Had a 32 mile round trip commute. Once I got into shape, I could do it in about ten minutes more than it took to drive.
Best day ever was when a co-worker got mad at me. He passed me in the parking lot and then passed me again when I was about a mile from home.
I moved to a 70 mile commute and now work from home where my commute is about 30 steps. Or I’m on the road.
Good bike fit is crucial.