Altering average speed

[Markymark]

On my hybrid I seem to average 15mph (+-5%) no matter the distance, conditions, hills (no major hills near me). Whether I do 10 or 40 miles, windy or calm, it's pretty much the same, just more or less knackered at the end.

My problem is that I seem to max out at around 45 miles. I'm sure I could go further but my legs are shot by this time and it would be arduous to continue.

To increase my distance am I better to:

1. Push through
2. Keep doing longer rides to build up stamina/strength
3. Slow down

My problem with 3 is that I can't (yeah, I know, pedal slower!). As soon as I try and slow down a bit, I manage it for about 2 minutes before my muscle memory (or whatever the equivalent is in cycling) kicks in and I'm back up to my comfortable speed.

 

[HLaB]

To go further the best thing is to fuel up and dont tell yourself 45miles is a barrier (90% of it or more is psycholoical). Do a few 40s and gradually up them past the 45miles forget about speed for now. Once the stamina comes speed will follow.

 

[PpPete]

15 mph on a hybrid is good going.
To go further: ride slower, but not by trying to pedal slower; drop a couple of gears and try to keep the same comfortable cadence.
It will feel ridiculously easy at first, but keep with it.

 

[Boon 51]

Do as we do over here..
Get someone to drive you 60 miles and drop you off then you have to break the 45 mile barrier to get home?

 

[Arjimlad]

Keep doing the longer rides but eat more food during the ride. Banana, energy gel or whatever..

 

[SquareDaff]

Do as we do over here..
Get someone to drive you 60 miles and drop you off then you have to break the 45 mile barrier to get home?

Don't they leave you with a couple of punctures and only one spare tube when they do that??!?! Must be soft over there!!

 

[Finnjävel]

Keep doing the longer rides but eat more food during the ride. Banana, energy gel or whatever..

This.

I'm useless on a bike if I try to go for more than two hours without fuel.

The OP's 45 miles at 15 mph could well be the point where the tank runs dry.

 

[Boon 51]

Don't they leave you with a couple of punctures and only one spare tube when they do that??!?! Must be soft over there!!

You forgot the 45c heat...

 

[paul04]

When I go for a long ride on the bike, I never look at the miles. I just leave the time showing on the speedo on the bike, then I sort of plan a route in my head, and off I go. that way I find I enjoy the bike ride, rather than constantly looking at how many miles I have done