What's your average distance, pace, etc?

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Originally Posted by Aggie_Ama

There have been past threads where the daydreamers, photographers and sight seeing riders (my current place) have been completely flamed for being slow.

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Wait a second ... apart from the thread that I had posted, in what other thread have people been "completely flamed" for being slow?

And in that thread I posted, there was only one person doing the flaming, and she's no longer here (oh darn :rolleyes: :D)

Seriously, anyone who criticizes another for how slow one is has really screwed up priorities and is a bit pathetic.

But I find threads which are based on bragging about one's own speed in comparison to others a bit distasteful anyhow ... so, ciao. :cool:

I had to stop looking at my average speeds on my computer because I was obsessing over it. I have to turn that function off while I'm riding or I'll look at it constantly and obsess over increasing it. I do use my "real time" speed on my computer for hills. There are certain hills where I've set a goal to stay above 5 mph or whatever, depending on the hill. I also keep a training log spreadsheet just to kind of keep myself on track with training goals.

Like everyone is saying, comparing speeds and such is really pretty pointless, especially when you don't know the terrain where another person is riding. If I say my average speeds are usually around 13 mph, lots of people would probably think I'm slow. But I ride hills...every time I ride, hills. And more hills. Did I mention the hills? :rolleyes: (I actually like hills now...call me crazy...but when you get to the top of a hill, many times you get to ride back down the other side!)

Comparing myself to faster riders always just makes me feel worse about myself. I know my average speeds as well as my stamina improve as the season progresses and that's good enough for me.

One of the things that drew me to this forum is that there seemed to be something for everyone...Whether you sight see or compete on your bike, we are here because we have a common passion.

I have only been here a few months but I have not see a single instance of even mild flaming but I have seen tons of encouragement and pats on the back.

If by mentioning personal achievements that I am proud of, I am bragging and making anyone feel bad about theirs, I apologize.

Unless we all ride the same route under the same weather conditions there is no way to compare one rider's speed to another.

I have the utmost respect for anyone that is getting out there and getting on a bike when so many people are unmotivated to exercise.

It's all good!

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Originally Posted by jobob

And in that thread I posted, there was only one person doing the flaming, and she's no longer here (oh darn :rolleyes: :D)

Seriously, anyone who criticizes another for how slow one is has really screwed up priorities and is a bit pathetic.

But I find threads which are based on bragging about one's own speed in comparison to others a bit distasteful anyhow ... so, ciao. :cool:

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Oh no that is the one I mainly meant. In fact I never posted in that one because the whole thing made me sick! I should have said there has been an instance in the past. :) Since that is the only ugly example I can think of and yes Ariel I think 99.99% of the time we are a supportive loving bunch!

Heck I feel fast on paper but when I am riding with area riders including clubs not known for attacting the racing crowd I get dropped almost every time. And when I have rode in the mountains I am lucky to get a double digit average further cementing the idea that it is all relative. ;)

On a long-term basis, to keep on cycling regularily for many years ahead, it's probably psychologically better not to over-focus on just one's own cycling speed, etc. If I did, I would not stay cycling regularily up to this point in life for enough years so far. It would suck out the enjoyment of cycling.

I've heard several stories of people who competed/trained hard, then when they were injured seriously or became older/frailer...fell into a depression that took a long time to pull out.

Yeah, when I saw that link, I knew exactly which one it was, remembered the speed comments and who made them.

There are so many variables that can mess with your average speed. For instance, when I commute on my Nyala, my averages easily run 2 mph or more lower than on the road bike. I track mileage on BiJou, but hate to post the average on my commute. :p