Distance

[Banjo]

Im a beginner with a heavy hybrid bike,started about 5 months ago,For the first month or so most of my rides were less than 10 miles now most are between 10 and 25 . I did one ride of 57 miles at a gentle pace.

Was pleased this morning to average 13.9 over a 13 mile route that I do now and then to test my fitness level. First time I did it I averaged 8.3 .

Dont compare yourself with others online too much, They may have a better bike ,flatter terrain , lie about their speeds or it could be that they are fitter than you.:-)

 

[scots_lass]

I am a beginner of a few weeks. My bike rides started at 8 miles and I do between 8-16 miles three-four times a week. Average speed still around 10mph. Granted I may be a lot older than you and female but an older experienced cyclist said to me that there was no truth in the 'no gain without pain' theory. Slow and steady was his maxim. And just enjoy!

 

[ComedyPilot]

I am a beginner of a few weeks. My bike rides started at 8 miles and I do between 8-16 miles three-four times a week. Average speed still around 10mph. Granted I may be a lot older than you and female but an older experienced cyclist said to me that there was no truth in the 'no gain without pain' theory. Slow and steady was his maxim. And just enjoy!

there is truth in the 'No pain no gain' motto, if you are a rip snorting racer with quad muscles ripping out of your lycra. You need to improve by stepping out of your comfort zone.

Mere mortals (me included) can benefit from a steady pootle. And that steady pootle does one more good than sitting for five hours on a sofa eating pringles and watching the Jeremy Kyle show.

 

[mad al]

I'm also new here but not new to cycling and I say you need to vary rides from short to long and think of some quality rides not only to increase your fitness level but so that you can take time out and enjoy the surrroundings you ride in.
I don't think continual high mileage is what it's about and when I condidered myself "fit" I only had two long rides a week, one mid-week and one at the week end. I would also have one one designated route of "hills"
At the end of the day though it all depends on the individual and asking themselves "why ride a bike" and "what, if anything, do I want to get out of it?"
For me these day's it's a family thing, a time for the three of us to enjoy what we all love and hopefully leave the "competitor" out of it

 

[nickp]

I'm also new here but not new to cycling and I say you need to vary rides from short to long and think of some quality rides not only to increase your fitness level but so that you can take time out and enjoy the surrroundings you ride in.

Some great reply's here.

I'll certainly be enjoying the surroundings, especially as i am using the bike for my nature photography.

You guys have been a great help.

Nick

 

[Bigtwin]

I managed just over 11mph average on my 100miler last week....

Rest assured - I don't average 20 mph on centuries. Might in the plains of the USA with a following wind, but not up and down in the S of E.

I'm saying 16 mph average is a reasonable figure for a road ride in reasonable circumstances over 10 miles when you are putting a good stint in.

TBH, 10 mph average over 10 not too hilly miles is little more than fit running pace.

 

[joggingbob]

Bigtwin - you have just dashed my thoughts that I was once a reasonable fit runner, (for my age), when I could run 10 miles in approx 6:35 minute miling - cannot get near that running at the moment though.

 

[Milton]

Interesting comments about pubs and cycling. I only bought a bike to get me to my local pub just over a mile away. Then somthing strange happened, I found I enjoyed the cycling as much as the beer (well almost) Things went down hill from there - I am now putting in about 60 - 80 miles a week and my drinking has really started to suffer.
I went to see a specialist who told me that if I didn't get back to the beer pretty quickly, I was in serious danger of becoming a total bike nerd. So just be careful about avoiding those pubs - you never know where it will end !