It get's simpler

Since I `retired' from my `job' last June my `work' life has resulted in a number of benefits. 

• I've lost 32 lbs and expect to drop another 20 lbs (170 is a reasonable goal for now);
• I've been able to devote time to learning more about mechanical things (bikes, houses, cars);
• Bicycling has become less `brand' and `platform' focused and more `skill' and `performance' focused;
• I read much, much more (non-fiction);
• My overall health has dramatically improved (lower weight, lower cholesterol, better blood lipids);
• Though I never drank much alcohol I drink even less now;
• Doing rando brevets is more likely now than before;
• Allowing myself to target very challenging `ultra' cycling events, several times each year. 

Going from the flatlands of the midwest to the mountains of Arizona has been an important and challenging bicycling experience.  So much that I didn't know, requiring careful observation and consideration.  Pacing; gearing, attention to the fact that the unpopulated mountains and desert areas demand that one think in terms of `what if' ... I have a mechanical breakdown, run out of water / fluid, I'm over / underdressed.

A tangible, well-earned skill development with both rear wheel and front wheel recumbents: what terrain offers greater challenges and benefits to either.  `Growing' to be non-partisan to either platform, but to appreciate what each has to offer.  Avoiding the `which is better?' trap. 

Struggling, mostly successfully, with other cyclists who are biased against or in favor of `x' platform or `y' manufacturer.  Getting better at staying out of the fray and just doing what is challenging and rewarding to me.

Work in progress.