MyTi

Ya I’d say 18mph isn’t hard on flats with no stop lights, stop signs, traffic. The right route will boost your speed. There was a 66 year old that says he averaged 20mph for 100 miles solo

Seattle Forrest

Put a second magnet in your wheel.

Weakbikr

Yeah in the flats a high mph is pretty easy but the avg is way lower. Lol I just like to look at avg as a gauge to which groups I might be able to ride with. I dont want to be the one guy holding folks up. Sure avg speed can be a bragging right but I would rather use it as a gauge. I'm gonna keep pushing along. I know I'll get faster.

bikebreak

The fast as possible ride for 30-60 minutes isn't one big interval, just hit everything hard, so every little hill or acceleration works as another interval
Depends how near to max, I would estimate I can do about 90% of max for 30 minutes, based on HR and watts over strava segments - https://www.strava.com/activities/2498264888
That one I would have done a full hour but had to get back to work, and ran out of water for the last 20 minutes and started overheating. Too hot out for max efforts

rubiksoval

Interval workouts have little to do with a specific intensity; they're just a set amount of time/distance at a different (usually) harder intensity.

You do longer efforts (hour plus) at sub threshold, 3-6 min efforts at vo2 max, 1-2 mins near max efforts, 10-15 secs sprints, and anything in between.

All have their purpose and place depending on fitness goals.

Weakbikr

All of that is Greek to me, lol. I appreciate all the help.

noimagination

16 mph avg. may not sound like much in the virtual world, but in the real world that is probably above average. Like you said, it's just a number, but it is fun to reach a milestone, and having a goal can be extra motivation (above and beyond the sheer joy of riding a bike).

rower2cyclist

Nice job dude! You'll get faster, much faster...It takes a little bit of time to teach those legs how to spin effortlessly but eventually you'll get to 18s.
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(then of course you'll hire a coach and get a TP subscription )

CyclingFever

All about goals and improving!

MyTi

Average speed really isn't a good gauge. In a group you'll be faster since you won't be working hard as you draft. Solo rides are a lot tougher so while you may be 16mph solo you'll probably 18-22mph in a group since it's the front man that does most of the work and you'll find yourself even coasting over 20mph in a large group.

Dean V

It can be a reasonable gauge if it a solo ride over similar terrain to what you are comparing to, and there aren't too many stop/starts.

downhillmaster

Congrats

CyclingFever

It is relevant if it is a route the OP will ride again so he or she can compare efforts.

Weakbikr

I've never ridden with a group, well I take that back. I rode behind a group when I was getting started, I couldnt keep up. A buddy hung back and rode with me. I'm curious how different itll feel. I'm gonna meet up with a local group in the morning for a 28 mile ride. Funny how ya get nervous. I'm just gonna try to stay out of everyone's way and ride. I've learned some cycling etiquette so hopefully I wont piss anybody off. Seems most of these are older guys. The ones I've met have been very nice.

Darth Lefty 

Good for you! 16 mph is something I could do on my nice road bike before my heart condition diagnosis. So I sold that bike - idiot! I haven't had the health or the bike to get back there yet. But I've had work done and I've got a fast bike again (not as nice). Maybe soon...

Jack Ryan

Congratulations!

I've had the same goal for probably 15 years now and never made it by the end of the summer yet.

MyTi

Do you get nervous playing a pickup basketball game? No reason to be nervous they are all just there to have fun and exercise...but ok maybe a few Tdf wannabes lol

Weakbikr

Lol that's true. Had a great time on the ride. Atleast I wasn't the last guy in. Pretty close though. I still need alot of work on my motor but ima keep putting along.

CyclingFever

Well a newb mistake in a pick up basketball game usually won't result in a crashing at high speeds.

CarloM

Congrats! I always get a bit miffed at the many stoplights in my area because they kill my average MPH Some time soon I might try the bike path from Ventura to Carpinteria...that should be 16 miles of no-stop-light action.

hcgaloi

I'm a fairly new recreational rider and have been riding for about 2 yrs. I averaged around 12 mph on a flat 20 mile route for the first 1 1/2 year. Then, I switched to a more climbs with a short 6% grade hill of 25 mile ride. I rode it for about 3 months. One day I went back to the first route and noticed my average jump to 14 mph.

Have fun riding...

DomaneS5

I achieved 17mph average on 10.5 mile ride this morning. This is only the 2nd time I've done it. I thought I was gonna die near the end of the route.

My ride was only 35 minutes, though... not an hour.

Weakbikr

I rode nearly 12 today at 15.9. Fought the wind. On that route theres only a few hills. Nothing real steep. I hate hills, but they make you stronger.

Weakbikr

That's awesome, I got a way to go before I solo a 17mph ride of any sort.

SactoDoug

Putting in the miles will eventually get you there. Add at least one all out sprint to your rides.

One thing that I have done that has increased my speed is that I run up the stairs at work. I work on the third floor and no longer use the elevators. It has built up the strength in my legs and my speed has improved.