I'm handling the rain and the cold well. The weather is improving and this week I am going to start using the big ring on my bikes. I used it once a few days ago when a younger rider came by me and I got on his wheel for few miles. My average speeds are going up steadily and I feel good. Upper body work in the gym is so b-o-r-i-n-g but I know I have to keep it up. I'll be going from 30 to 40 miles now and then 50 by June. My weight will drop, it always does. I can handle most hills with ease and I recall that from my youth. I could beat just about everyone to the top but the bigger riders drop like a stone while I float like a feather on the way down. They would always catch me on the descent.