When I was in my 30's I rode with a club, did charity fund raisers and other event rides. It made it easier and more interesting to ride 2k or more a season.Last year after many years of 500 or less miles total I jumped back into cycling and totaled around 1200 miles. This year I'm at 1200 and will probably total 1700 by seasons end. I would like to ride with others again but find I get passed by about every serious cyclist on the road both younger and older.

This year I've tried to train more and joy ride less but still have not dropped any weight. I'm 215-220lbs. now and used to be 170-190 in my thirties. I'm 55 now. I'm caring the equivalent of 2 bowling balls with me now as compared to 20 yrs. ago. I could join a club and ride with the newbies and slower riders but would not be happy with the 12-20 mile rides they schedule.

Just bought a brand new bike that is lighter and faster than my old road bike but only managed 13.2 mph average on a 34 mile flat ride.

Any advice or words of encouragement would be appreciated.

Thanks-Oldroadog