"I ride because that's just what I do," he said. "I ride because it's the way I look at life. When you ride, you have a goal, which is like life. Sometimes you go up hills and sometimes you're riding down the hill. Sometimes the wind is at your back and sometimes the breeze is in your face. It's just like life. It helps me stay focused and grounded."

Which is not only the reason he couldn't stay away, but also the reason he had to share his joy.

Five years ago McArthur, who works as a secretary at the Gunnison prison where Smith teaches school, was diagnosed with breast cancer. Smith didn't have a cure for cancer, but he did have a surefire way to stay positive

"Jim didn't just mention that I should ride," said McArthur, "he mentioned it several times before I bought my first bike. He called his favorite bike shop and talked to them about what he thought would be a good bike for me. When I had my bike, he came to Manti and rode with me and told me all the things I needed to know."

He also encouraged her to help beat cancer by riding to raise funds for research. The pair, along with several other cycling converts who work with them, trained for the Live Strong challenge in Denver in 2006.

"He was there, and still is, by my side to help and encourage me all the way," she said. "He has done that with lots of people in different areas. Along with all of his other accomplishments, he is a great cheerleader for everyone else."

McArthur got her sister-in-law, Leslie Roberts, involved in riding with her. They rode hundreds of miles together in training, and their families flew with them to Denver to watch them cross the finish line. McArthur did not finish. She fell and was badly injured. Before she'd even recovered, Smith was talking to her about raising money and riding in the Portland Live Strong Challenge.

"I had a friend say, 'I bet you'll never ride again,' " she said of reaction to her first fall. "I thought, 'That's quitting and I'm not going to quit.' If you're going to quit everything, you might as well lay down and die of cancer the first time."

She finished the Portland race, and both women continue to ride today. Smith has converted other co-workers to the gospel of cycling, and McArthur has dubbed their unofficial organization the Sanpete Sprockets.

Smith isn't sure why his balance improved enough for him to continue riding, but he is grateful. He believes that anyone, of any age or physical fitness level, can find peace on a bicycle seat.

"I'm not a physical specimen," he said. "I'm just a fat rat that does stuff. There is nothing special about me. It's just something I do, but anybody can do it."

Last year, Smith rode about 7,000 miles in training and races. He continues to encourage anyone and everyone to take up cycling.

"I get pretty evangelical about this stuff," he says with a laugh. "I really feel it will help them."

So exactly what is it that draws him out on the road, regardless of the reason or season?

"Maybe it's a sense of accomplishment," he said. "Maybe a sense of direction, a chance to get out and reflect on life."

E-MAIL: adonaldson@desnews.com