Hey, BikerDawg, don't sell yourself short (pardon the pun). At 33, you're just coming into form.
Re bike shorts: I've got a whole drawer full of REI and Nashbar shorts that I never wear. I thought I couldn't afford expensive shorts so I'd by these cheapies. Penny wise but pound foolish! Now I've got a couple pairs of PI Ultrasensors that I alternate.
If you skimp on shorts, you'll regret it.