STRETCHING exercises are the ONE thing that almost NO ONE DOES,.....but can have the most impact on how long you can keep doing strenuous exercise.

long, flexible, supple muscles, tendons, AND ligaments are MUCH less prone to injury (proven sports fact)

when I was much younger I was into karate, and then gymnastics, and I remember stretching for HOURS before a workout.

HOW you stretch is also important: NEVER "bounce" when you stretch, instead stretch till it's just uncomfortable, hold for 5 seconds, then pull til it starts to get REALLY uncomfortable, hold for 3 seconds, then BACK TO UNCOMFORTABLE, hold for 5 seconds, then release, and shake it out. repeat no less than 3 times for EACH muscle group,....as you get more flexible, you'll naturally hold longer, and pull harder, with less discomfort.

I stretch for 15 minutes before a ride, and probably for an hour afterwards sitting in front of the TV watching whatever.

I'm 49, 66" (38/15) and rode brakeless for a YEAR, till a friend gave me a shimano tiagra short road caliper, which I think looks so cool, I just HAD to install it, even though I've only used it about 4 times in as many months, I ride everyday, and can't remember the last time I had an exertion injury, as opposed to just falling off the damn thing! and I ride AGGRESSIVE most of the time (I can't help it,..I'm mental or something )

diet can have a huge impact as well,..........as I was told by a professional sports trainer:
"the human body is a remarkable machine, it works with almost no maintenence, and even can repair itself, BUT it can ONLY do that with what you put in your mouth"

made me think twice, and eat better ever since.

so stretch, because you know you should, and probably don't, or maybe you do, but I bet not for long enough. (kinda like NO one brushes their teeth for long enough, same deal)