The next organized ride we're doing gives you enough time to do the hundred miles at a ten mile/hour pace. But the organizers expect the Double Century riders to average 12. That's total time on course, including any stops you may make for food or repairs.

Our club offers a couple rides a week that are no drop rides to help newcomers develop strength and skills. You might see if any of your local clubs do the same. Ours are about twenty miles or less in length with few hills.

As far as your progress, I would advise comparing yourself to you. Every rider has their own individual stengths and weaknesses. Personally, I'd love to be able to climb faster and have more sprint power. But I've got tons of endurance. I can maintain a set speed for a wicked long time and I can climb for forever just not as fast as some of the folks I ride with.

Just keep riding lots and you'll get better.

Veronica