Thanks for the advice, Jiffer. When I was single and riding a lot more (and tormenting/entertaining my TE friends with my match.com sagas...), I could pretty easily do 40 mile rides. I have a much lighter bike now than when I did the metric. And there are very few hills in north eastern Illinois. So all that's in my favor. Now it's just a matter of finding the time. I don't know if John will want to train with me--if he does, it will be easier because it will be "us" time. Except when I ride, I want to RIDE, not stop for ice cream, etc. We shall see. Maybe we'll get him a new (used) road bike, and he'll discover the joy of speed, too.