Spazz, Barb and Dogmama-
Your great minds think alike - "Too much, too seldom, too fast."

Spazz - the concept of "resting myself back to square one" really makes sense. I can't get out on the road during the week, so I guess I'll have to put in miles on the trainer. And see how I feel by Thursday. Then I'll know better whether to drop down to the slower group or quit. I'm too old to go from 0 miles per ride to 50 miles per ride once a week without any negative effects.
I belong to the NYCC (New York Cycle Club) and have been riding out of NYC over the George Washington Bridge into beautiful New Jersey every Saturday.

Barb - thanks for clarifying the wimp issue. That's been on my mind. I certainly do feel less than adequate at the moment. I guess I should take into consideration that I'm probably around 20 years older than most of the riders in my group (who also do not ride during the week).

Dogmama - I've been eating a Larabar (nuts and dried fruit) or banana plus some cheese right after my rides... not simple enough?
I ride a Felt F80 road bike... it's not heavy at all... I can't blame this on the bike... it is actually really fast and wonderful.

Carol