Been riding my whole life. Worked in bike shops for a combined 10 years. Raced mountain bikes in the late 80's and early 90's driving all over California to do so. Came in 2nd at the Mammoth Mountain National Finals back in 1990(I think that was the year) in the cross country and hill climb race in the sport division.
I shattered a vertabrae a year and a half ago. Lost 40 pounds after the operation. I can barely walk because of nerve damage to my right leg so I ride better than I walk. The only way I regained any muscle mass at all was because of bike riding. One of my biggest concerns while in the hospital was whether or not I'd be able to ride again.