20 mile bike ride

[przc]

How long should a 20 mile bike ride take? It took me 1 hr 15min and there were 3 hills (2 small ones and one probably not what any experienced rider would complain about but for me i went up it going 5.5 mph). This is my second week riding and i have made it the past 2 days going 20 miles back roads with little hills and one that really hurts. My bikes says i am averaging 14.7 mph. I am just trying to see if i need to speed it up i would like join a bike group but want to be sure i can keep up first. Thanks

[JennK13]

Wow! Only your second week of riding and you're 1) already doing 20 miles; and 2) averaging almost 15 mph? You're doing awesome! Most of the groups I ride with average somewhere between 12-18 mph, which you're doing already. Unless you're wanting to ride with "the bog dogs", you'll do just fine on most recreational and intermediate rides.
And in another 2 weeks, you may be ready to race! :)

[Zen]

Depends on the ride.
Hills?
Photos?
Ice cream?
It could take me all day and I'd be happy.

[przc]

Well that makes me feel better hearing that.I also want to mention i didn't just start biking with having done no exercising before. I used to workout 5 times a week 1 hour on elliptical and cycling classes (when i could). I just knew evertime i went into a cycling class i wanted a road bike and wanted to ride. So finally for my 39th b-day my husband bought me one and i love it! Except the seat.

[indysteel]

It sounds like you're doing just great, although I'd emphasize that their is no wrong or right speed. As for joining a group ride, it really depends on the group and what kind of ride it is. Some are fast training rides where the group rides in a tight "paceline." That's probably not quite what you're looking for at this point. Other groups take a slightly more relaxed pace and ride as a group, but not necessarily in a paceline. Others are strictly social. I'd also note that some groups have a "no-drop" policy, while others expect you to fend for yourself. My local club, along with some area bike shops, offers a bunch of different types of group rides. There's something for everyone.

Do you have a local club? I'd find them on the Web if you can and see what information is available.

[tulip]

Except the seat.

That can ruin your whole ride and then some. Do a search on saddles for all sorts of discussions on getting a comfy ride (could be saddle, could be position, could be posture, could be bike fit, could be any combo thereof).