Originally Posted by
CoogansBluff
I can go on three 45-mile rides with groups that average 17+ and simply learn by doing and being pushed.
Or I can go on one 45-mile group ride like that and train on my own with a mix or shorter and longer rides.
Three might be pretty intense and you would have to pay very close attention to recovery - nutrition and plenty of sleep.
My advice is to get a free subscription to Training Peaks and learn to use the Performance Management Chart. This will help you manage volume and intensity without overtraining and risking injury.
https://www.trainingpeaks.com/blog/w...agement-chart/
I would also recommend loosing weight if you have any to loose. Weight loss is the number one thing to boost performance on the bike.
Or you could do what [MENTION=3283]caloso[/MENTION] recommends. Just go out and ride hard. Today. Don't make excuses. Get on the bike, choose the more difficult route and ride it for a
PR. This sounds trite but it is really the issue in a nutshell.
-Tim-