Average Speed

[azfiddle]

I started riding in July 2009. My averages during 2009 were 13- 13.5.

In 2010, my monthly averages started at about 14- 14.5 and got as high as 15.5 during the fall, but like Catrin, I have had various setbacks this year, and have had to really cut back at times. My goal would be to average 15 -16 to keep up with groups I ride with, but it will depend on whether I can keep my hip issues under control. Right now, I'm happy to be riding relatively comfortably and hope it will improve from here.

[Catrin]

Thanks everyone, I figured that everyone would look at average speed differently so wanted to get an idea how others use it as a metric. IndySteel your point is well taken. My trainer has already brought that up and encouraged me to just focus on a very moderate increase in 2011 - just try to bring my average speed up to 14-15, though speed will not be my main focus. I was unsure what would be a reasonable approach to this so I appreciate the comments...

My focus will include searching for that inner hill-climbing beastie and long distance riding and, most important of all, having fun I suspect that a lighter bike, once I have it, will increase my average speed.

[Crankin]

I don't even like to talk about this anymore.
I also judge my speed on one or two of the regular loops I do. Since they all end in a big climb up my street, unless I bust my azz, I check my average before I do the climb, and afterwards. So, on a "good" day on my 16 mile loop, with some rollers, my average might be 15.5 before the climb and 15 when I get in my driveway. Some days it's a bit less, sometimes a bit more.
I rode about once a week with Hirakikubou. We usually did 30-50 miles, involving climbing. Those rides, my average was rarely above 13.5. But, who cares. I enjoyed them more than most. Then there are the times DH pushes me... my average might get close to 16 or a bit above that. It's all relative and I have stopped obsessing on this. When I was doing that 10 mile climb in Spain, all I cared about was how slow I was going, so I could be assured that I would make it, without throwing up or fainting.