Hi Kim,

I really did not start improving my speed on the bike until I started doing bike club rides and events. Watching and riding with all the other cyclists helped me push it to the next level. Is there a bike club in your area? Mine offers many "C" pace rides, which are 13-15 mph. After the "new member/beginner" rides (10-12 mph) I did last year just to get my feet wet, I graduated to the regular C paced rides this spring and had a blast. You could definitely hang at the back of one of those just fine. When I first started out, that's where I was too. Now I am at the back of B-paced rides (16-18 mph). I started riding again about 1.5 years ago after a many-year hiatus.

Also, longer organized events are so much fun and challenging that you'll find you are much stronger a afterwards, when your muscles have healed. I trained for and completed my first three centuries this year (2 flat, one moderately rolling). I didn't go fast on any of them, just wanted to finish. But I felt stronger after each one, and found that my speed improved quite a bit on the shorter club rides I did after them.

Finally, riding with someone who pushes and challenges you just a bit (for me it's my husband) makes a big difference. It's easy to be a bit too easy on yourself when you ride alone. However, I still enjoy riding alone from time to time - total freedom!

And give it time! You're doing just fine for a newbie!

Emily