10 miles in 42 minutes any good?

[Brandane]

It was a bit of a sweeping statement (that you are replying to). There are plenty of clubs that are more welcoming to all kinds of rider. Sure there are some that have ridiculously high entry requirements, (and no, I wouldn't consider joining any of those either) but it's certainly not a universal thing.

There are a host of other reasons too, but it's all way off topic. Suffice to say, cycling clubs just don't appeal to me on several levels.

 

[Fab Foodie]

No clue on the science, but I know I am more of a grinder and on occasions when I deliberately try to spin at a higher cadence, actually feel more breathless. Presumably if I persevered it would improve. Unless you're a pro, surely it's just as well to cycle in a style that feels right to you rather than force yourself to do something different.

Me too, spinning just doesn't work.

 

[Dogtrousers]

Me too, spinning just doesn't work.

There are certain things that I just leave to my legs. They know best and can sort it out for themselves. These include cadence and clipping in and out. If I think too much about it and try to get involved I tend to mess it up - so I leave it to them as they know best.

 

[Sniper68]

I’m 52 and have slowed down a bit over the last few years.I’m about your speed on 30 mile rides with 2500-3000ft of climbing.I used to be in the 16s but I’m not worried about it.
I averaged 17.8mph on a flat club 100(105.2) last year but I was absolutely done at the end.It was well into the 18s for the first 80 miles but tired legs just couldn’t keep it up.A few years ago I would’ve been gutted to see it drop after so many miles but now it’s just one of those things.
Don’t worry about it.Getting outand having fun is what matters.

 

[Deleted member 1258]

I’m 52 and have slowed down a bit over the last few years.I’m about your speed on 30 mile rides with 2500-3000ft of climbing.I used to be in the 16s but I’m not worried about it.
I averaged 17.8mph on a flat club 100(105.2) last year but I was absolutely done at the end.It was well into the 18s for the first 80 miles but tired legs just couldn’t keep it up.A few years ago I would’ve been gutted to see it drop after so many miles but now it’s just one of those things.
Don’t worry about it.Getting outand having fun is what matters.

I'm like you, I'm 68 and my pace has dropped off over the years, I can't manage the pace I did when I was a young club rider, but it doesn't matter, enjoying the ride is more important unless you're racing.

 

[Hudson1984]

better than me and I'm 35 haha.

 

[Boopop]

And there is another reason why I won't be joining any cycling "club".

Then those clubs aren't doing a good job of encouraging new members. Please don't discount cycling clubs based on a few bad reports you hear. The cycling club I help run (usually) has four club rides in the summer, the slowest of which accomodates whoever turns up. Great way to socialise and it's made me feel very connected to the town I live in.

 

[Fab Foodie]

Then those clubs aren't doing a good job of encouraging new members. Please don't discount cycling clubs based on a few bad reports you hear. The cycling club I help run (usually) has four club rides in the summer, the slowest of which accomodates whoever turns up. Great way to socialise and it's made me feel very connected to the town I live in.

Agree totally.

 

[johnnyb47]

That's a great pace you've done there, but the main thing above all is that you enjoyed it. Well done you buddy 👍👍

 

[Ming the Merciless]

Good for what? Unless you have time limits, or are racing then your average speed doesn’t matter. Just ride at a pace you enjoy rather than leaves you feeling beaten up.

 

[Globalti]

To give you some context I'm averagely fit for a cyclist and at the age of 61 I decided to try North Lancs RC's evening 10 mile TT. I reckoned I should be able to do it in 30 minutes so I concentrated on keeping the AV function on my Cateye at or above 20 mph. It's a triangular course and you climb about 250 feet in 2.5 laps and on that evening there was a gentle westerly breeze. The first time I did 30 minutes and 2 seconds so of course I had to go and try the next week, when I managed 29 minutes and 19 seconds. It was quite honestly the hardest physical effort I've ever made and although I enjoyed it I don't really have any interest in doing any more TTs.

 

[vickster]

Traffic, lights, junctions, roundabouts etc make a big difference to average speed around here at least!

 

[Dogtrousers]

Traffic, lights, junctions, roundabouts etc make a big difference to average speed around here at least!

Not to mention hills.

 

[vickster]

Not to mention hills.

Nah, there aren't many of those really

 

[Deleted member 1258]

Not to mention hills.

And head winds.