Let me preface by saying that I'm not complaining. Which means that I'm complaining and feel the need to InterWhine.

I got dropped on the "recovery ride" of my bike club yesterday. So I sat down to look over Joe Friel's "Cycling Over 50" to see if he had any good recommendations on getting better at this sport.

Here is one of his sample schedules:
M--interval rides with 8X10s, 2X4s, 5X8s for one full hour with 20 seconds of rest between each.
Tu--hill repeats, minimum suggested gain 1000' per repeat. Do 10 times. For warm-up.
W--tempo ride, going 110% of your fastest TT ever.
Th--weight training and steroid injections (injections optional).
F--meet with divorce lawyer.
Sa--repeat whichever ride caused the most pain from the week.
Su--recovery ride, 50 miles unless you have time for a long one.

OTOH this is my schedule:
M--"recovery ride" (go as fast as you can with hammerheads who are dogging it).
Tu--daughters volleyball practice.
W--whatever kind of ride I want to do as long as it's wrapped up by 1PM.
Th--feel tired from yesterdays ride. Go to daughter's volleyball games.
F--lift some light weights if in mood. Babysit grandkids maybe.
Sa--AM ride, sometimes with a club (always get dropped).
Su--AM church, afternoon nap.

I guess I want someone to suggest a way to get stronger on my limited schedule that doesn't involve using drugs or losing weight. I really don't find Joe Friels' book all that helpful.