hibiscus,

We buy the multi-packs of Payday bars at the grocery store to save $. I also loved them as a kid and hadn't had them in years, so it's fun to eat them again (and not feel guilty!)

As for speed, you are so right that it is VERY hard to go fast in subdivisions and areas with more traffic/lights/stop signs. Most of my riding is done in our very rural area with no traffic or lights, just the occasional stop sign. Most roads you can go on for miles without ever having to stop, so that makes a big difference.

Terrain also makes a huge difference in speed, for me. I can do my after work "speed loop" (which only has a couple hills) at 16.8-17.4 mph, but I did a VERY hilly (and partially in-town) club ride this past weekend and, despite pushing hard, only managed 15.4 - and that was my fastest ever on that particular route. The headwind didn't help either; that's another factor that makes a big difference in speeds.

Emily