Originally Posted by
GrandpaEd
Got back on the bike about a year and a half ago after a 20+ year lay off, and I have a question.
I have ridden a couple centuries over the past year, which I ride at about 15 mph. I would like to start doing some longer rides, and some more challenging rides, but want to know how high I should set my sights. Let's face it, I am not 30 any more and I am well past the point where I can build muscles. Will I gain anything by doing interval work?
Yep! That's a fact!
Personally, I think if you have done two centuries in the last year and a half and have only been back to riding that long, you are way ahead of many of the riders in this forum who haven't yet done a century. As the others have said, there is always room for improvement, whether it be mileage first or speed first. Eventually, it will be both but keep in mind, "I'm not 30 any more." Intervals, along with spinning, is the way to go if you want to increase your speed. With two centuries under your belt, it looks as if you have already made a nice base for your distance. There is a sign over the counter of one of the LBSs that I visit that reads, "The more you ride, the better you get. The better you get, the more you ride." I've taken that as my motto and so far it has proven to be a very true statement.