I'd like to move as far up as possible, although I don't mind taking my time getting there (I'm only 24--most of the guys I race with/against are late 20s, early 30s). I don't have any notions of becoming a world-class rider, but within the next five years or so I'd like to be a competitive CAT 3/able to hang on in a CAT 2 field.

I guess I'm asking if "ride lots" is a better routine for a new-ish rider or if I'm better off sticking to my structured plan despite its limitations.