I want to go faster, but how?

[emily_in_nc]

I started riding a road bike in March. I ride a few days a week between 10 and 25 miles, and go on longer rides (50-60 miles) on Saturdays with some guys from work. No matter what I do, I can't seem to average higher than 16 mph.

Simple ~ it sounds like you are doing everything right. The biggest thing that stood out for me in your post is that you have only been riding since March. Patience, girlfriend! Most of the "really fast" people (guys and gals) in my bike club have been riding for years. When talking to some of them about increasing my speed, they have all told me that a lot of it is just years in the saddle. You'll increase, but you do have to give it time. They are right. I've been riding for three years and this spring was my fastest yet (until my accident).

I don't know your age; if you're younger you'll improve faster than me (I'm 44), but you're doing great to average 16mph already with hills! I didn't start averaging that until my second full year of riding. Riding with people who are a little bit faster than you and learning how to draft properly are great ways to increase your speed, as is some lower-body weight work to increase your muscle power (but that's mostly an off-season thing to do).

Just keep on keeping on, you'll get there!

Emily