I started cycling at 46. I was quite slow. The first year I rode with a club, I was almost always the last rider or at least in the last five to get it. I just decided to keep with it and ride a lot. (That year I rode 6000 miles, and since then its been about 4500 per year.) It is now about 5 years later and I can finally really keep up with DH. After about year two, we could ride together without him being really grumpy at my plodding, but this year I felt I could hang on when he tried a break away.

My advice: Just ride a lot. Find others who are about your speed and train together if you can. Also, ride with some folks who are just a tad better than you are, as they will push you.

Have fun too!

Cheers,
Hirakukibou