I started mountain biking about 12 years ago and got really into it. 2 years later I started road riding, and liked that even more. I have as you say a "Lance Armstrong" bike... its definitely a great feeling going out for a 1 or 2 hour ride and exhausting yourself!

there are so many cases of cars hitting cyclists i dont get out much anymore. i stick to hilly neighborhood roads and always go out of my way to avoid cars. its scary.