Velogirl, for some strange reason, I ave 8 during my training rides and 8 in my races. I'm so darn nervous before a race and it takes me so long to get into my groove that as I'm getting settled in, I'm done with my lap. That's why I thought a solo race would be better for me. I did a 6 hour one and still averaged 8! Next year I'd like to do a 4 person team and just hammer so that's why I want to get my speed up. And I do 80-90% of my training on the road. This race is my home turf, so it's what I ride the majority of the time - you'd think I'd have an advantage here