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