Newbie, Could Use Advice

[MKEBuckeye]

Thanks, ladies!

This past weekend I got myself to ride 13 miles and averaged 12 mph. I was very satisfied with that since I was riding directly into 20 mph winds the entire second half.

[Ashgarth]

hey, I am in Milwaukee too. What side of town are you on? Like posted perviously, we ride at least once a week. Maybe we will start after the holiday?

You are welcome to join me if youd like. I bike about 15mph and I am looking to get faster/stronger

[RoadRaven]

Just a word to you as a relative "newbie", Buckeye.

Try not to focus too much on averages. Effective training does not revolve around increasing your average each ride - this approach will in fact have the opposite effect on your performance.

Try and ride at a steady pace, within a comfortable aerobic zone for much of your training. Pushing yourself hard should be specific - for example, once a week or fortnight you might ride over a certain course and "measure" your performance.

Its hard to NOT focus on averages, but really they are more of an interest as your ability to achieve your desired average will vary according to what you ate last night or your breakfast, the wind strength or direction, time of day, wet or dry... and so on... and so on...

Having said that, welcome to the board and fantastic to see another enthusiastic convert...
Biking is an addiction... be prepared