Feeling Please With Myself

[Kalidurga]

About that average speed on your cycling computer: I've realized that it's not the real average. Every time I slow down for a road crossing or to pass a pedestrian (or to tug at my shorts ), that lowers my average speed. I try to watch the computer as I pedal and keep track of my sustained speed as I pedal long, steady stretches. I record the computer's average in my bikejournal.com entries, but I take it with a grain of salt.

So, that 9.5mph you mentioned might actually be a bit higher than you think

[Python]

Even at 9.5 mph average, if I cycled into town instead of taking the car, it would take me 20 - 30 minutes or less as it's a 4 mile journey, downhill all the way. Overall, it would take me less time than taking the car with the volume of traffic and finding a parking space. Going home would be a hard slog though as some of the gradients are quite steep. Would definitely have to build up some stamina to do the town and back journey.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Sounds like an errand trip into town and back several times a week could be a GREAT way for you to build up your biking strength and skills! I live at the top of a VERY steep hill, and a half mile to town. I can't go anywhere on my bike without pedalling up that hill at the end (unless I drive my bike somewhere of course). In the beginning, I walked up the hill with my bike, i would get too out of breath and heart pounding. Now several months later, i pedal up almost every time (unless I'm coming back from a really exhausting long ride), knowing it makes me stronger each time I do it. I don't get very out of breath on that hill anymore, and my heart doesn't getting pounding uncomfortably either. I just am breathing deeply by the top- I concentrate on taking deep and regular breaths and relaxing while i'm climbing.
I enjoy jumping on my bike to zip into town for a quick errand, hill and all. My car just sits there not using nearly as much gas, and I'm getting into better shape.