The Elusive, for me, 20mph Average
#1
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The Elusive, for me, 20mph Average
None of my family or friends care or even understand and probably no one here cares either but at least you might understand. I started riding about 20 months ago mainly for health and fitness but then I started to pay attention to my progress. I keep getting a bit better but a 20mph average was something I couldn't quite manage. This summer I managed to do 20 miles sections under an hour but could never do a 20+ mile loop ride (no elevation advantage) at that pace. Today I finally hit a 20mph average on a loop ride. Stupid lights during the last 5 miles threatened to disappoint but managed over the last couple miles to squeak it out.
https://connect.garmin.com/activity/214526458
Here is almost the same ride from about 4 months ago for comparison.
https://connect.garmin.com/activity/168086796
Most importantly, this was my first ride on a new set of wheels proving once and for all that new wheels do make you faster. 23mm rims ftw!
https://connect.garmin.com/activity/214526458
Here is almost the same ride from about 4 months ago for comparison.
https://connect.garmin.com/activity/168086796
Most importantly, this was my first ride on a new set of wheels proving once and for all that new wheels do make you faster. 23mm rims ftw!
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#5
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#7
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Well done! Would love to get to that point myself.
#9
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#10
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I've got the same goal. I'm 23 months in and I'm up to 19.2 with aero bars. I struggle for every tenth and appreciate how tough it is.
Congratulations!
Congratulations!
#11
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https://connect.garmin.com/activity/212130844
Managed to do the first 27 miles and 1000 feet of climbing at 20mph average but then the road kicks up and my speed goes down.
#12
Shimano Certified
That's the sweet spot number I try to get to as well. Good work. I haven't been able to get much past 17mph cruising in the last couple years(Less training til this year). In college I used to hit that all the time, but that was a few pounds ago... At least cycling doesn't care about age
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#15
**** that
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Nice..
I think you should think about racing. Not because you can average some speed for an hour or so, but because you like to train for a goal and suffer while doing it.
Races usually average at least 25 mph, you'll love it.
I think you should think about racing. Not because you can average some speed for an hour or so, but because you like to train for a goal and suffer while doing it.
Races usually average at least 25 mph, you'll love it.
#16
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Congratulations! I cannot WAIT to hit that mark. I've only been riding a few months so im only at 16.5 average right now but it is gradually increasing.
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I vividly remember hitting that goal. Good job! It took me another 4-6 weeks to make it an every day occurance after that first taste.
From here on out, improvements are a b**ch.
From here on out, improvements are a b**ch.
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umd (is he still banned?) when he was CAT 3/4 and had won some races... posted his 3 year average for the 14K or miles he does yearly and he said it was like 15-16 mph. That dude definitely keeps his data. I remember this and is a good point of reference. I think this was like 2-3 years ago, but the world may have changed. We all get 4G now on our phones, so maybe we all have gone faster. 41 still sounds the same.
#20
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Your heart rate is very up and down. You'll go more fasterer keeping your effort constant.
#23
stole your bike
The mutually shared suffering makes it more fun and riding with others always pushes you harder. I don't race but when I started training with people who do my general fitness and cycling skills improved greatly. I started doing that years ago (and still do) and appreciate the discipline I learned; having a structured plan is great when aiming for specific goals. You should mention that while sustained averages in races are higher, riding in a pace line helps one maintain those speeds. Riding solo and maintaining a 25mph average is a whole different proposition as there are loads of variables that affect average speed.
umd (is he still banned?) when he was CAT 3/4 and had won some races... posted his 3 year average for the 14K or miles he does yearly and he said it was like 15-16 mph. That dude definitely keeps his data. I remember this and is a good point of reference. I think this was like 2-3 years ago, but the world may have changed. We all get 4G now on our phones, so maybe we all have gone faster. 41 still sounds the same.
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Last edited by roadiejorge; 08-25-12 at 06:15 AM.
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20 mph is the sweet spot for me too. When I come home and check the data, anything under 20.0 and I'm ticked.
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