I'm a pretty new "biker" and just completed my first 50 mile ride last week. I typically try to ride 50 miles a week, but have been working my way up to a 50 mile ride before the end of the summer. Next fall, I plan to do a Century ride.

My problem is that I'm SLOW! I'm only averaging just under 11 miles per hour. I'd like to get up to 13-14 miles per hour as my average. (We have ALOT of hills here in NH).

I'm only now learning about "cadence" and not really sure how to go about increasing my speed. It is the hills that slow me down. On the "flat" rides, i can do about 18-19 miles per hour, but not for long because there is always another hill right around the corner.

Any suggestions would be appreciated!