I'm 45 years old and have been riding for two years. I plan on doing a week long tour that has 30,000 feet of climbing at the beginning of spring. My coach (unofficial), who is teaching me how to climb and ride persistently in the cold weather is 67 years old. He gently pushes me, but whenever I think I'll sneak ahead, he runs me over and then waits for me a mile down the road.