Average MPH

[Tri Girl]

Welcome to TE.
Gosh- so much depends on so many things. Bike, wind, terrain, how heavy the legs are, humidity... Too many variables to accurately compare yourself to others.
The geometry and handling of a hybrid as opposed to a road bike is so different, so don't worry too much about your speed slowing down. Once you get comfortable you'll speed up.


Since you're looking for numbers- just for comparison, here are some of my averages (keep in mind I live in the flats- when I ride hills, it's always slower):
1. Commuter bike (Bianchi steel road bike): I avg. 12 on commutes- when I'm riding for pleasure and fun it's in the 13's.
2. Tri bike (carbon Cervelo): I average 14-16. When I'm racing it's in the 17-18 range.
when I ride centuries on my tri bike I'm somewhere in the 14-15 range.

So much varies. I have a regular ride of 30 miles at the lake near my house. On my tri bike, sometimes I'm averaging 12, sometimes 17. So much factors into those averages, so I really try not comparing my rides to myself, let alone others. Depends on whether it's a recovery ride, intervals, tempo, or just a "make it through" ride.
I'm not fast, I'm not slow, I'm just me. I keep trying to make improvements and I know I'm stronger on the bike than when I first started and that riding long distances is easier on the body- even if my pace hasn't changed much in years.
At first, riding 30 took it out of me, now I can ride 30 and not feel like I've even worked out. Even if my average speed is the same as it was in the beginning, the fact that it's easier lets me know I've come a long way.

Look at things like THAT to gauge your accomplishments- not always just the numbers.

I generally don't ride with others. Definitely not with groups. I know it would probably make me a better rider, but I just prefer to ride alone. Always have- it's my zen time to think and just "be".