Building speed... Does it come naturally?

[Big Nick]

Heard a quote recently 'cycling doesn't get easier you just get faster'

I average around 14mph (on rides of 20-50 miles) which is slow by decent rider standards but I am the wrong side of 45 years old and only started cycling again last January so I'm reasonably happy with that.

 

[Ern1e]

I'm 18st odd so carrying around a fair amount of ballast...... :-D

But that will make you faster down hill lol ok seriously you should be able to get to set points quicker ! I still time myself now and again and as @Fab Foodie states it will take some serious effort once you reach your natural point so keepriding and most importantly keep enjoying it !!!

 

[The Mighty Boosh]

keep at it and push you're self on every ride, unless you hurt after a ride its a waste of time and effort..

 

[Ern1e]

Heard a quote recently 'cycling doesn't get easier you just get faster'

I average around 14mph (on rides of 20-50 miles) which is slow by decent rider standards but I am the wrong side of 45 years old and only started cycling again last January so I'm reasonably happy with that.

I also average 14 mph and I also am very happy with that being the wrong side of 59 and an old steel mtb lol.

 

[screenman]

keep at it and push you're self on every ride, unless you hurt after a ride its a waste of time and effort..

Wow! I did not know that gem of information.

That is a nice way of saying what a load of tosh.

 

[dee.jay]

I'm 5ft6 ish

 

[cyberknight]

It will come but dont get to hung up about bettering your speed day in day out, sometimes your speed on the same course will vary a lot dependent on how you feel, weather , etc etc .
My average speed for my commute over 10 miles can vary by over 3 mph , today was definitely a slow day due to little sleep , sniffle and still aching from Sundays effort .

 

[Big Nick]

I also average 14 mph and I also am very happy with that being the wrong side of 59 and an old steel mtb lol.

Fantastic going Ern !!!

 

[The Mighty Boosh]

Heard a quote recently 'cycling doesn't get easier you just get faster'

I average around 14mph (on rides of 20-50 miles) which is slow by decent rider standards but I am the wrong side of 45 years old and only started cycling again last January so I'm reasonably happy with that.

don't use your age as an exc

Wow! I did not know that gem of information.

That is a nice way of saying what a load of tosh.

lol

 

[screenman]

I'm 5ft6 ish

In that case I sure hope you get really bit buy the cycling bug.

 

[Big Nick]

don't use your age as an exc

Can I use my 2 dodgy knees then?

 

[dee.jay]

In that case I sure hope you get really bit buy the cycling bug.

Yeah I know - I'm far too heavy at this height but the cycling bug has set in. :-)

 

[screenman]

Yeah I know - I'm far too heavy at this height but the cycling bug has set in. :-)

I wish you the best I was big once, well worth the effort not to have to carry that 4+stone around any more.

Try lifting a 5 gallon container of water it sure makes you think a bit.

 

[Cuchilo]

Wow! I did not know that gem of information.

That is a nice way of saying what a load of tosh.

You say that but it does depend on what you want to do . People say cycling doesn't build muscle just tones it but if you push harder then you build muscle .
Some are happy to keep spinning and lose a bit of weight , some want to push harder and are willing to hurt for it .
Rocky didn't run up the steps and scream ADRIAN for nothing you know

 

[BrynCP]

Speed came naturally to me: my first "long" rides were around 10-11 mph over 15 miles, on Saturday I did 58 miles at 16mph average.

Now I have moved to the climbs because it makes me push hard again, and it's working!

Combined with a sensible diet, the weight can just fall off; I was around 18.5 stone in November and on Saturday I was 13 stone 10. I have also built a lot of leg muscle from cycling, it's the only real exercise I have done in many years, other than general walking.