how slow am I?

[caligurl]

Sorry girls, but 13-15 mph sounds really slow to me.

well then i'm pretty damned slow.... cuz my average speeds are normally 14-15 at the end of a ride (that's on the computer... what it averages it out to.... my average speed for they year so far for all my rides: 13.6 mph (total elevation gain for the year so far: 201,316)

EVERYONE has their OWN personal average speed

i found you comment just a little harsh considering a lot of people on this board... including me... have already stated they ride in that range or slower

[Lenusik]

Then please read my last sentence.

[tprevost]

I've got to say that comments like that make me personally feel really bad about my riding. I enjoy it and am trying to improve but I am not fast and I know that a lot of people are faster than I am; however, I would much rather have someone say 'great job' for my little improvements rather than make me feel badly because I didn't start out being faster than most.

So Lenusik, you clearly have a natural talent and that's fabulous; but I would rather hear encouraging rather than discouraging comments.... or maybe some tips if someone wanted to try something new.

Thanks,

Tracy

[tprevost]

Lenusik,

There is a difference between voicing an opinion and putting other people down. I know that sometimes the way things come across on the boards are not read in the tone in which they are written but I too felt your comments basically said that slower riders are losers. Giving an opinion can be done truthfully without being hurtful.

T~

[SadieKate]

I think one can only comment about another's speed in only 2 cases: 1) a race in which they have the results of the racer's peers for comparison, and 2) if s/he knows firsthand the person's age, weight, bike type, general fitness, bike skills, terrain, distance, solo or pack, pavement quality, temperative, humidity, wind, heath issues and probably a multitide of other things - including the goal of that day's ride.

Look around you at your fellow riders (not forum members unless they also ride with you) if you wish to make a comparison. Then, go ride your ride.

Editing because I keep thinking of things that affect speed.

Also, be sure you compare door to door average speed, not "cruising speed"

[Lenusik]

So Lenusik, you clearly have a natural talent and that's fabulous; but I would rather hear encouraging rather than discouraging comments.... or maybe some tips if someone wanted to try something new.
Tracy

Tracy, I do not have any natuarl talents. Those who do participate in races, etc. I did not mean to discourage anyone, and there is no harm in knowing that you can ride much faster. How can somoene get better if he/she believes that the limit has been reached? E.G. I don't want to play tennis with someone who I constantly beat, unless I am teaching this person. I want to be beaten and learn from it, get better! But, again, I cannot push anyone, this is not my role. People create thier own path. It does not matter to me how fast or slow people ride, as long as they ride. To me it all that matters.

[tprevost]

L~

I am sure your initial post was not meant to be discouraging, just please remember that we on this end cannot see your expression nor "read" your intent into your post. And you must have some natural talent over there because clearly you are doing a great job with your cycling and are continuing to improve

T~

[Lenusik]

i found you comment just a little harsh considering a lot of people on this board... including me... have already stated they ride in that range or slower

I realize that it may have sounded harsh TO YOU. But I thought that the ladies on this board were asked for an opinion. I tend to share my opinion honestly. Again, I indicated that I ride faster than 13 mph. If it is that hard to take, then why having an open discussion board with freedom to share opinions. I am much slower than my husband and it only motivates me to work harder. I did not mean to upset you. I hope you read my last note saying that people should do what they feel is right for them. Then someone's "harsh" opinion wouldn't matter.