Start with the flats. The issue is cardio, right? "Base miles" build cardio.

Everyone knows the purpose of these miles it to build the heart and lungs in order to support other riding. But what's forgotten is that it builds capillaries in the muscles. Those capillaries are important when it comes to strength building, like climbing. They'll facilitate easier climbing with less panting and less "burn" in the legs, plus faster recovery.

Finish out the year on the flats. Get to where a 50-miler is no big thing, and you can snap off 20-milers in your sleep. Then work on climbs in the spring.

I'm off on a nice flat 20-miler for this morning's long loop to work...