Fifty Plus (50+) - I think I peaked

I spent all summer riding hard, averaging 150 or more miles per week since mid June. I rode 7 metric centuries, 1 75 miler and a full century. Now I am down to 60 miles/week with a few hours on the trainer. I went out today and did only 25 miles, the average speed was off by about 1mph. There is one last century in a few weeks and I don't know if I can get ready for it or if I even have time to do it. This is always a tuff time of the year - the leaves (and snow) will be falling in a few weeks :cry:

At least you had a peak. I've been mediocre my entire life.

Do one long ride in the middle of the week, like a 70 miler. That means getting off work for a half day and starting out around 6:30 or 7 am. Then do another long ride over the weekend.

I have been wondering the same thing. Just can not get my average speed up. Maybe that is all there is in the tank and I should stop trying to catch the big dogs.

I have been wondering the same thing. Just can not get my average speed up. Maybe that is all there is in the tank and I should stop trying to catch the big dogs.

This site always has some good tips for cyclist. I did the interval training last winter and increased my average speed by 1.5 mph this year. I'm going to do it again this winter and hope for at least another mph:) Now I just need to do additional work on those hills:(

http://www.cptips.com/intervl.htm

I think it's the change of season and accumulated fatigue from hard rides all summer.

I rode a fairly quick double century on June 23 and felt just fine at the end and the day after. I rode
a shorter ride (160mi) yesterday at lower average speed and it hurt more than the double.

Last week I played golf with an ex-professional Hockey player who is now in his early 50's. He is now playing in a "master's league". He said the guys in the league are all very deceptive like him. They are all a a lot slower than they look!!!

I know the feeling!!!