Just curious...miles per year?

[SadieKate]

That we're normal and not just worthless couch potatoes with no hopes of ever riding a century!

That would be bon-bon eating coach potatoes.

I'm glad that you're focused on the intermediate goals which will get you to the goal of a century. How the miles add up is just icing on the cake.

Since everyone's riding conditions are different average speed isn't an indication of whether you can ride a century either, so that's an even bigger pitfall for comparisons. I've done rides where 12 mph was very satisfying and others where 20 mph was a disappointment. Just measure your improvement against your own results on the same route, with the same bike and similar weather.

Another thing to think about is muscle memory. After years and years of cycling, your legs will maintain good form even when tired while newbie legs may lapse into mashing; this muscle memory will lessen the effects of fatigue on performance. So, be patient with yourself as this is an experience thing and not a fitness thing.

BTW, after 4 knees ops when I was 20-21 years old, I think I rode 5 miles and burst into tears with the amazement that my legs would bend that far again. I would have been thrilled with a 12 mile ride. I think I still remember that 5 mile ride as one of the highlights of my cycling life. I think you're doing fabulously and wish I had kept records like you so I could see what changed for me in the first couple years. It would be good inspiration for those days when I think bon-bon eating would be a better activity.

[tjodit]

That would be bon-bon eating coach potatoes.

I'm glad that you're focused on the intermediate goals which will get you to the goal of a century. How the miles add up is just icing on the cake.

BTW, after 4 knees ops when I was 20-21 years old, I think I rode 5 miles and burst into tears with the amazement that my legs would bend that far again. I would have been thrilled with a 12 mile ride. I think I still remember that 5 mile ride as one of the highlights of my cycling life. I think you're doing fabulously and wish I had kept records like you so I could see what changed for me in the first couple years. It would be good inspiration for those days when I think bon-bon eating would be a better activity.

Bon-bon eating couch potato...THAT made me laugh! You've gone through a lot and look where you are now! An inspiration to those of us just starting out.

miffy'sFuji, thank you. I know you'll make it up that hill. You'll have to let us know when you slay that final dragon!

Veronica, I totally agree...it's about having fun. That's why I don't do treadmills, stair climbers, etc. They're just not fun for me. I like to get my exercise by playing. When I was a kid I lived on a bike. It is so much fun to go out and ride.

On my ride after work yesterday I could swear I saw looks on some of the drivers faces as they passed by me that said how they wished they could be out riding a bike instead of rushing to whatever it was they were rushing too. Kind of a look of envy...do you know what I mean. Have ya'll noticed that look on the faces of people?

[SadieKate]

Bon-bon eating couch potato...THAT made me laugh!

One of my favorite yellow-isms.