Strength training is a year 'round supplement to bicy- cling.
Strength training will help you on those hills where the rest of the group rides away from you. Weight training is a faster way to improve your cycling. Lifting heavy weights isn't something you can start abruptly. You need time to build connective tissue, because it grows more slowly than muscle tissue. By slowly conditioning yourself, you will not hurt yourself and you'll be able to lift heavy weights by the first of next year.