When I say football I don’t mean US football, I think you guys call it socer. My local team is OGC Nice who have flirted constantly with relegation since being promoted back into the French 1st Div in 2002. We have a small ground with great atmosphere, very enthusiastic fans and definitely the best view in the world.

Do it. Try paragliding. 2 good reasons:

1- You can try something once, experience it, dabble in it, not become an expert, or even particularly proficient in it, and your life can still be far richer for it. Example: 3 years ago I became fascinated (obsessed?) with a remote cave in Nevada. I figured out the location and access, and learned enough rope work and spelunking basics to safely reach, rappel into and get myself out of the cave. It was fantastic. I lack the time and bandwidth to become a serious spelunker, but I count that expedition as one of my most rewarding adventures.

2- Having passed 40, you should guard against becoming narrower in your interests. New experiences, new sports, travels to new places, new languages and new music all keep your world less one-dimensional, and well… younger.

-Alex

1. I’d be a anonymous benefactor to any number of worthy causes, including the Livestrong Foundation.
2. Buy my local football team who seriously need an injection of cash (and talent) to avoid relegation this season,
3. Sponsor a ProTour cycling team. It would be really cool having my name splashed across the jerseys of a load of cute guys in lycra.

On-topic: *If* I were rich… there’s not enough space in this comment section for all the stuff I’d do (or attempt to do) ;)

then I’d pay off and renovate my house, buy each family member a new car and bike. Probably give each kid a stash of cash. Since I’d be able to afford to pay to have all of the renovations done, while the house is getting put in shape – BIKE RIDE, Baby!

I’d get my mom set up in style so she would not have to worry about money and bring in someone to help her with the day-to-day stuff (she’s fighting alzheimer’s), then…

…I’d buy a motorhome so I could travel to bike races in comfort and the boys wouldn’t have to change in the car and we’d have a guaranteed clean bathroom forever! Then, travel, ride bikes, travel, ride bikes, go to Europe, travel, ride bikes, go to Australia and New Zealand, travel, ride bikes, etc. etc. etc. While, simultaneously via the Internet while driving down the highway, contribute to worthy charities and help friends along the way.

Stuff like that. It’s not too much different from what I do now just on a larger scale with nicer accommodations and a little less sweat equity. I’m terribly content with my life cause I’ve got the best husband and children ever, so money couldn’t really make my life all that much better. …well, maybe a little:)