Very interesting. Well, Raven, I definitly don't race -- doesn't interest me much although when I watch the local races I feel fairly confident that I could hang with 'em! I am a dedicated recreationalist, however, and I complete several centuries / 150s each year. I cycle because it's fun to me, something my BF and I can do together, and a GREAT way to meet people.

I try do the pilates deal twice a week or so ... I need to take that time to focus on my flexibility or I'd be a tight little knot.

I guess the reason I want to add weights is because a) I enjoy it, b) to add some general upper body toning to balance out my rather muscular legs, c) to vary my routine a bit, and d) keep the old skeleton strong (I never thought I'd make it to 30, but with that birthday staring me in the face I realize I've got to start being very good to my body--I guess I'm going to need it after all). I don't suppose if my uphill times suffered it would bother me greatly ...

Kimred, planning a weight program around my two or three favorite rides might be a good place to start ... build a preliminary calendar of sorts. I like that idea very much.

I also got to thinking, the two times when it's more unpleasant to ride could be considered "off season" and therefor a good time to spend more time weight training: -- that's now, when it's so bloody hot I can hardly see straight, and Dec/Jan when the temp drops to around 30 and I have to pull on my woolie-bear clothes to ride.

LBTC, the plateau idea intrigues me as well ... perhaps a schedule of 6-8 weeks hard riding (I'll think of it as race season! maybe peaking at a century ride would be ideal!) then a month or so scaled back with weights. And I have been thinking I'm not working hard enough because my rides are going faster and becoming easier. Plateau, I guess?

Just thinking out loud now ... thanks for the feedback. Very helpful.