When I started going on our longer Tuesday morning ride (I was gloriously unemployed) I didn't believe those guys, either, when they'd say I was improving.
WHat made me realize that I was thinking like my students ("no, I'm really stupid, that was just luck") was when we stopped to rest, then I forgot my helmet and said "Go on ahead, I'll catch up" -- and they did!!!! (Not normal behavior - they generally wait) And I did!!!
'way to go on that average And it's only August...