The first thing I would want any serious rider to do is have an annual plan.  I've attached one here that is adapted from the standard British Cycling annual planner.  Mine has a peak and trough trend line on it and the example shows how different periods of training can be used.  It is based on an actual one developed for a successful Southern rider. 

It looks a bit daunting, but when you think about it for a minute or two, the idea that anyone can roll out every weekend and be Mr. or Miss Tremendous is a bit of a no-brainer.  So, we have to have goals.  The next entry will be about this.  If there's enough interest, I can do a sit-down session one Wintry night in the Hetton Centre, but I promise I'll make it interactive.

Cheers, Tony H