Great post
I'm one of Smokedham's crew - recently turned 36 and still riding strong! Started riding seriously with my first roadie when I was 13, unfortunately giving up bmx [wish I stuck with it].
When you say people just don't get it, they sure don't!! Try and tell people you've been riding for 23 years. Most of that time was road racing and triathlon (up until 26), so only dirt and mtb for the past 10 years.
I love it soooooo much! I must spend the equivalent on bike bits each year that Paris Hilton spends on G-strings, cocktail dresses and handbags!
But at least it's not booze, smokes and drugs!!
How's this - just recently Smokedham and Yertle (36 year olg "girl") got me seriously into dirt jumping. I'm so hooked! So hooked in fact, that I had to get a DJ bike! Yee ha!
Love the life!!