Its nice for people to read that all is not lost if you have time off the bike...
As good as 2 years for me after chest and lung problems. Once I decided I would get going again at 57...it was torture, finding the mojo, struggling along, a fraction of my old self...but the truth is you just need to percivere. I could go almost as fast as I always did...just not for anywhere near as long as I used to.
I always knew commuting is the best thing, regular mileage so ive rebuilt a bit this year, now commuting 15 miles a day, a few days a week plus occasional 20 milers in the weekends
50 miles, which was just a regular ride, seems a long way off yet...but thoroughly enjoying getting some fitness back, this last few weeks especially. I can average 15 mph over 20 or 30 miles, despite my meagre mileage over the last 2 years and a slightly resticted lung on one side.
I dont think you ever lose the desire...cycling is a funny thing, you may struggle sometimes, you may give up for a while, but its part of you.