SonicM.

I believe speed comes with time on the bike. The more time you spend on your bike the stronger you will become and in turn I think your speed will increase. I found last year that if I increased my weekly milage by just 10% great things began to unfold late in the summer. I felt stronger on my bike and my average speed increased each month. I rode my very first century in Sept of last year and my average speed was 16.6. I simply set my goal last year to ride as much as I could, aiming for 500 miles/month but more importantly my goal was to have fun. When riding my bike becomes work it will be time to put it away for a rest. I also purchased a trainer to use during the off months so that I would not lose all I had gained last season. When the new season (outdoor) started this year I was right were I wanted to be. Bottom line is you simply have to find what works for you and what is fun so you keep coming back each day for a little more fun. Don't get discouraged, ride your ride.