Average speed for a newbie

[Banjo]

A Newbie could average 20 - 25 mph...

For the first 1/4 mile....

As a newbie who started about 12 months ago I was really pleased this week to get around a 13 mile circuit I do often at 17 mph average on my Scott Speedsster. Have also done it on my hybrid with 32 mm slicks at 16 mph.

I dont bother about average speeds on every ride ,just now and then on the same route to asses my fitness level.

PS The first time I did my 13 mile test circuit after only a few weeks riding I struggled to do it at 8 mph

 

[jimboalee]

As a newbie who started about 12 months ago I was really pleased this week to get around a 13 mile circuit I do often at 17 mph average on my Scott Speedsster. Have also done it on my hybrid with 32 mm slicks at 16 mph.

I dont bother about average speeds on every ride ,just now and then on the same route to asses my fitness level.

PS The first time I did my 13 mile test circuit after only a few weeks riding I struggled to do it at 8 mph

I do all my fitness testing in the gym.
No weather effects, same temperature.
HR monitoring and Watts output recording.

No cars pulling out of sideroads.

 

[Banjo]

I do all my fitness testing in the gym.
No weather effects, same temperature.
HR monitoring and Watts output recording.

No cars pulling out of sideroads.

The route involves one short granny ring hill and one fast descent .Only one traffic lit junction and fairly quiet .

I know my "test route" isnt really a scientific approach but by doing the same route I pick a day without much wind and warm up a bit then go for it. The result is just an indication.I remember being thrilled at breaking the 12mph barrier now hope to break 18 this summer. Is it just me or is it easier in warmer weather?

 

[Rob3rt]

The route involves one short granny ring hill and one fast descent .Only one traffic lit junction and fairly quiet .

I know my "test route" isnt really a scientific approach but by doing the same route I pick a day without much wind and warm up a bit then go for it. The result is just an indication.I remember being thrilled at breaking the 12mph barrier now hope to break 18 this summer. Is it just me or is it easier in warmer weather?

I do the same as you Banjo. I have planned a 10 mile flat route, I will hammer it round that route early on a saturday morning TT style twice a month when there is very little traffic (hence less red lights to stop and slow me) and see how my time and average speed compares to previous times. Only done the test once, but will be repeating it every 2 weeks. 16.7 mph was my average speed this saturday. Was slightly dissapointed, although I did have a big bag full of clothes on my back since I was staying away from home all weekend so, im using that as an excuse to not be a little faster although in reality I doubt it actually slowed me, hah.

About the weather, I'm not sure, over distance I'm pretty fast in the wet, I think the colder weather helps to regulate the temperature when going all out for longer periods, on the other hand it can irritate the breathing sucking in cold damp air and it can also be slightly depressing when you feel a tonne of mucky water spray up your back knowing that you now have to sit on that for another 8 mile. The rain makes you want to get where you are going faster so as to get in and get dry, at least it does for me! The warm weather is very inviting to pottle along for hours and hours though

 

[jimboalee]

I do all my fitness testing in the gym.
No weather effects, same temperature.
HR monitoring and Watts output recording.

No cars pulling out of sideroads.

I tell a lie.....

My 'test route' is from home. once round Birmingham's Number 11 route ( 25 miles ) and back to home.
There are only two moderate hills and the testing comes there when I try to climb in a gear higher than the last time.

If I can get round the route in less than 2 hrs 30 ( the bus timetable ), I will consider repeating in the opposite direction and see if I can get that done in 2 hrs 15.


One way round, I see loads of 11C buses. The other way, I see loads of 11A buses. Where are the 11B buses?

 

[Banjo]

"One way round, I see loads of 11C buses. The other way, I see loads of 11A buses. Where are the 11B buses? "

One of lifes great mysteries :-)

 

[Chrisc]

I stick mapmyride on the iphone when leaving and it gives me all sorts of info when I get back. I seem to average about 16mph on most routes and round here that means 100 feet up per mile travelled for at least half the distance . Some days I'd kill for a nice flat tt route.

 

[jimboalee]

"One way round, I see loads of 11C buses. The other way, I see loads of 11A buses. Where are the 11B buses? "

One of lifes great mysteries :-)

11C = No. 11 Clockwise.
11A = No. 11 Anticlockwise.

11B ?? No. 11 Banjowise.

 

[jimboalee]

"Average speed for a newbie".

This should settle it.


3 x walking speed.