I rode a 60-mile organized ride Sunday, my first non-solo ride since re-entering biking this summer. My bad back has kept from running and biking for 5 years now, but I worked out regularly on an elliptical trainer intensely for the last 5 years. Now that my back permits me to ride again (but not run), I've ridden regularly this summer, including a few metric centuries and one full one (in 101 degree heat). What I learned Sunday was that while I'm still in good shape at 58, I REALLY suck at hills compared to the other, younger riders. But on further reflection, I've ALWAYS sucked at hills. The only change over the last 30 years is then I would have averaged about 19-20 mph instead of Sunday's 17.5 mph average. BSLeVan is correct, and we must satisfy ourselves now with smaller victories, including those over ourselves if no one else.

If you can't ride fast, ride far.