I'm 19 this May, and I've literally grown up reading AH.
I started on Rider when I was 9, I've read probably all of his books, I've seen every Foyles War and Midsummer Murders episode...
It's quite funny actually, I always create a mental image of Rider in my head slightly mirroring myself (I'm fair haired, tall, blue eyes, have done martial arts, been in the Air Cadets - so I know shooting, military techniques etc) but to be honest, I've always seen him as a role model. Even now.
When I was between 9 and about 15ish I always wanted to grow up and be like Alex, grow up quickly, have experiences like him (even have a gf like Sabina

) but now I'm older I see him as a figure to learn from. Don't try and grow up too quickly, savour the enjoyment, fun, innocence, carefreeness of being young.
I guess my sadistic side also enjoys reading the different tortures and ways of killing in the books. It humours me slightly that AH can write quite grotesque deaths or hints of such at least, and yet the one time he lets Alex swear it's " why don't you -- yourself" xD
Love AH, can't wait for Yassen... (Alex book ten)