I was one of the few who started cycling during the pandemic. I work in the restaurant industry so we were greatly affected by the lockdown and all the employees were furloughed until further notice.
I used to run and join marathons but I wanted to do something else. So i had to search for a road bike (it was sold out everywhere) cause everyone wanted to go out and ride.
Luckily enough, a local bike shop reached out to me when they got one in my size. I just started riding solo on the beach path, no prior knowledge of how road bikes/cycling worked. I initially did it for my mental health and that riding got me through some of the toughest times in my life.
That's also how I met my partner. He races professionally so he was my source for cycling 101 including a bike fit..