I reviewed my year-to-date expenses in Quicken for the category "Recreation", and it is not a pretty picture. So far, I've logged in approximately $6,000 for this year. That includes the purchase of my bike, clothing, shoes, race entry fees, club dues, dietary supplements and hotel stays (but not the gasoline for travel). This sport seems to best fit those who can afford to spend quite a bit of money on the unnecessaries in life. I suppose my justification is that daily training seems to make me happier (all those endorphins and stress release from exercise), and I have avoided repetitive stress injuries and the subsequent and expensive physical therapy by cross-training. Plus I have gotten to know some great people who share my interests in being healthy and active for a very long time to come.