Quote Originally Posted by RoadRaven
Yes I know 13 1/2 mph can be damn fast - I too know what a head wind is like, and what nasty hills are like.
I suggest you go back to my post - I implied slow averages may be beacuse one is a beginning rider, or because one is a recreational rider (and yes, to many, riding a 600k to complete it is recreational, riding it to have the fastest time is a different motivation).
I'm not reconsidering what I wrote, I stand by it.
I am sorry if it was clear not enough.
Dark Orchid,
Thanks a lot for putting this thread back on track at least for a little while. Obviously there is bad weather and bad hills, different bikes that we can all talk about all day long. But average is average. I hate riding when it is windy because I get pushed around too much, I am rather small. If I rode only hills I would never get this average. But let's just assume that we are talking about ideal weather that you have in your area, both hills, flats and declines. That's what I was talking about - the average ANYWHERE for an average cyclist is 18-20 mph. Maybe I get this speed because I don't drink alcohol or coffee at all. May be it is normal competitive nature that I have. Yes, when I see someone in front of me, whether it is a strong rider or a grandpa on a tricycle, I will chase this person, and could succeed or fail misarably. And btw, I have full respect to them no matter who they are, because they are riding. The most important thing is enjoying what you do and hopefully improve.