Originally Posted by
Frankfast
Extending from 15 miles to 20 miles is a 33% increase. I believe that is substantial. And for most of us, I believe, there is a big difference being in your mid-sixties than being in your mid-fifties.
And extending from a 1 mile ride to a 2 mile ride is a 100% increase. The point being that 5 additional miles on level ground is not a particularly stressful event, IMHO.
If you increased from 15 to 30 - yes, that would be a significant increase.
But, you know your body the best. As other have stated, listen to you body and follow its instructions. Rest when your body tells you to rest.
As far as age goes, I ride 20 - 40 miles most every day and I am almost 10 years older than you. Today I did extensive resistance exercises (80 dips, planks, etc.), rode 20 miles, stretched, and swam for 45 minutes. I try to do a lot regardless of my "age."
Good luck.