+1 NOS88. This morning I went out and, for part of my ride, held myself to mid-80%'s on my hrm...which is nosing up against my redline. I also threw in a few brisk hill climbs. And then paced myself back home. A good, nicely taxing ride. Came home, had a snack, stretched, showered, and kicked it on the couch with the newspaper. Spent the rest of the day working around the house. (I'm on vacation.) Tomorrow I'll go for a cruise and feel good. And do serious hills Thursday. Recovery bike-walk Friday. And go long on Saturday with friends.
At age 59, I can do this and not worry that later this season I'll be laid up with muscle/skeletal stress problems. Even younger, as a runner, I could never be really certain where I would be re: injuries if I worked consistently hard over time. Cycling is so multi-purpose, whether cruising down to Starbucks or redlining the HRM, and so relatively risk-free for "older" participants. Barring face-plants on the pavement of course.