This year was the first year I rode consistently, pretty much all year round with the exception of some school holidays travel and heavy work commitments (perhaps 1 week at a time, 3 times over the year). Just ticked over 16.2k.

I've typically ridden with a small group of (ex)colleagues 2-3 times per week with the rest being extended commutes or trainer sessions etc.

Bar 1 guy who just never seems to miss a beat, I've consistently been one of the strongest in terms of putting down some hurt both on the flats (my favourite) and on 'hills' (we don't have big climbs here). The regular 2x weekly ride is about 40km mildly undulating, some extended flats and a few modest inclines.

On some of these inclines (eg 100-300m @ 4-5%) some of the guys like to put in an effort and be first up. One of the older guys is pretty heavy set (not buff, but not fat) and in particular loves those sections. Occasionally I see if I can't quietly beat him up there by going early. Blow me down he tends to reel me in each time.

I'm athletic but light build. Is this purely a leg strength thing and is there any benefit in getting into the gym (I haven't done this for prob going on a year) for overall riding ability? On flat extended sprints or longer climbs I don't tend to have such issues.