As background, I'm 71 and been on road bike four full years. Over weight and have had total right knee replacement; left knee is so so but not a problem. Going faster each year so far and working hard to do so. Group rides of 50-62 miles average 19-21 moving with speeds of 23-25 for stretches. Our group gets faster each year.

Can only say what I do and you can decide if any applies to you. That said:

1) Senior Games has fastest cycling scores in quinquennial brackets starting at age 50. Quel surprise--times go up in each 5 year group to age 84 I think. But only about 2+ % per group. So assume 5% to 10% drop per 10 years IF EVERYTHING IS EQUAL, which it never is.

2) If you really really care about performance, get a power meter as the only real way to measure your effort per ride or over time. Can't rely on speed, heart rate or how tired you feel. Of course meter good for future and not past, heck all you have is the future.

3) Train with intervals to build strength, Vo2 Max and leg strength. I use a coach but your call.

4) Adjust training as we age, doing more recoveries and taking Epsom Salt baths after riding. Body needs more time to recover and get stronger.

5) Focus on nutrition to fuel your rides. Night before, day of and during ride along with hydration we all know about.

6) Hope for good genes as not many can do what you are now doing -- as some have pointed out.

7) Ride with friends to help push you. Nice to have a few buddies to spur us out on the road. Did you ever regret doing a ride? Social aspect important to make the effort more enjoyable and something to look forward to.

That's it for now. Would love to hear what others find works for them. My group averages age 50 with the majority 25-55; four of us are 69-71 and one is 77.

Thanks for the question, and yes, you are doing great!