First off, great forum! Read everything, but didn't see this addressed.

I'm not sure what my expectations should be. I am switching over from 13 years of hiking and climbing. I'm just starting out, did 22 miles on a trail the first day (I'm in Oregon) then 30 miles on a paved trail then 40 miles the 3rd time out. Of course, had no idea what to expect w/the shoes and pedals and fell within 30 seconds of getting on the bike the first time, royally messing p my knee (still mucked up, going back to MD shortly). I'm not particularly fast. Any idea what expectations I should have? I'm biking with a guy who's biked most of his "upright" life,. LOL. And of course, guys are kind of speed demons. And yes, like everyone else, dowhill freaks me out. (I'm riding a Red Line cyclocross, btw)

I have no idea how to gauge where I'm at in comparision to other women, and I use that to motivate myself. How fast do women usually bike on straight-aways w/no elevation? How far do women usually bike? We are better at distance, right? We did the 40 miles in about 3hrs 15 mins-3 1/2 hrs. Thanks!!