[Ronin]

Brian, et al.,

The measure of the success in recreational/fitness cycling is a combination of time for a standard distance and amount of enjoyment. There has to be a balance.

Yes, the professional cyclists all do weight training in the off-season to build muscle strength as well as to solve problems developed in the racing season. I use my BowFlex year round to maintain upper body strength in relation to my lower body strength and to maintain myself for all the activites I do that don't involve a bicycle.

While I don't consider 60 to be "old" I also realize that I'm in maintenance mode. The only race I'm entered in is the "Human Race" and there is no prize for finishing ahead of everyone else -- it's about the journey. Linda and I want to feel good and be healthy, there is nobody to compete with, only the clock and the calendar.

FWIW: Since I've taken up tandeming/cycling I've dropped over 75 pounds (albeit my skin doesn't fit anymore in places) and dropped my BG and cholesterol levels as well. My arteries are clear and all is pretty well -- okay I've got a large prostate but that's not a big problem right now. By comparison to most of my age peers (and a lot of the people younger than me) I'm doing well without being competitve or trying to improve every day.