I spent my teenage years trying to kill myself on a BMX (bike broke first). I predate the Nintendo generation so being outside in the fresh air was still considered normal and not worthy of an ASBO. Gradually drifted away into more adolescent cider-marinaded pursuits.
Returned to cycling during my PhD on an old, second-hand Raleigh Arena conscripted to carry me between Edinburgh's new town and West Mains Road. That poor little bike was probably subjected to the kind of abuse that'd have you calling the bicycle equivalent of social services. Unmaintained, bounced across cobbles, left outside the pub to fend for itself in the rain. But I enjoyed whizzing home even if I never got beyond a platonic relationship with any kind of maintenance regimen.
Took my cycling habit with me to my next job. Unfortunately, a brief cycle vs. car Jesus-esque death and resurrection incident led not to the creation of a new Easter holiday and chocolate-scoffing excuse (and rather mundanely was caused by a Toyota), but instead to several months of enforced lethargy and much ouchy-ouchy.
Several months of enforced lethargy became several years of voluntary lethargy, and cycling disappeared into that haze of youthful remembrance. Then, last October, in the wake of a house move I discovered myself in deepest, darkest zone 4 with a zone 1-2 travelcard to renew. Since I was no longer travelling into central London on a routine basis it didn't seem like reasonable value for money. Plus, to be honest, I was getting a bit fed up with the public aspect of public transport. Late trains, invisible buses, shitty feet on seats, mouthy mobile phoners, and the constant tinny rap soundtrack of ASBO youth unable to understand the concept of headphones. Since there are some stupid rules about intolerance not being a good reason for shooting people I bought a car. And a bike. (And no, I'm not very good at the value for money thing.)
Started using the bike on a daily basis to get to the swimming pool and back. This extended into my periodic commutes into central London, and ever-extending weekend rides throughout London and to the green places where the sheepy things hang out.