Finally, an introduction!

[jusdooit]

Ditto Emily. I have just recently gotten to the 15-17 mph range in a paceline. 20 is definitely NOT a beginner pace. Sounds to me like you're doing great. Oh and welcome to TE.........enjoy the ride.

[goldfinch]

All these rides are still in outer space to me. I am lucky to average 12 to 13mph. But that is 4mph fast than I was last spring when I started really riding. Before the weather ended my riding a few weeks ago I started riding with a heart rate monitor to make sure that I was in the right zone and pushing appropriately. I was.

Hard to get fit after 56 years of *** sitting.

The one thing I dislike about being so slow is finding people to ride with me. I'll be in southeast Texas by next week. Maybe I can find some old people from the rv parks who ride.

[Biciclista]

I hear this a lot. a newby goes on a "beginner" ride and the guys make it into a race. That is REALLY not very nice. I hope you said something to them!!!
keep looking you will find better people to ride with.
and welcome to TE!

[ladyicon]

Welcome Lizz and Gypsy to the forum. Love the color of your new road bike. I also avg. between 12-14 mph on a ride. Maybe its because I spend time looking at the scenery too much. You see many more things on you bike than driving. Sounds to me like the guys were just acting macho, you don't need them. Enjoy your rides.

[jyyanks]

Welcome Gypsy & Liz!

Gypsy - I really cannot fathom a beginner riding group that rides at 20 mph. I average about 10 mph on my folder, and would have cried if that happened to me. To be honest, it's the reason I don't go on group rides. I don't have enough confidence that I can keep up....at least not yet, but hopefully I'll get there.

Glad to have you on board!

[Catrin]

So, a 20 mph ride is considered "beginner"? That indeed is just plain delusion. It does sound like you found someone to ride with though, so kudos to you, and welcome!