I would recommend a regular cycling partner/ride if you can find one. It get's me a base of good miles every week unless the weather gets in the way. I ride for totally different reasons than my partner, but we can usually find a common goal for 2 25 mile rides a week at lunch or after work. Any other rides I get in I view as a bonus since my life is so busy.
I would love a 5:35 century this season. good work.