Beginner cyclist, good average speed to aim for?

[smutchin]

and another saying they are meaningless because they are from a race.

I didn't read that as a criticism of you - more a case of agreeing with what you said in your previous post, namely that there are far more important things for the OP to think about than speed, such as group riding skills. I made a similar point earlier in the thread.

 

[Dogtrousers]

I think it's just shock and resentment from both on realising that snotty nosed teenagers can ride the pants off them before they're out of short trousers. Get over it guys, or say something constructive.

I'd just like to point out that I don't only resent snotty nosed teenagers riding faster than me. I also resent older ladies and gentlemen riding faster than me. In fact, I resent absolutely anyone who rides faster than me, without fear or favour. I'm an equal opportunities resenter.

Despite this I'm still probably in the top few percent fastest cyclists out of the overall (mostly sedentary) population.

To the OP, I'll go back to my orignal tip of: A little bit further and a little bit faster than you do at the moment.