Ha, ha.........I take it you used to live around here. I suppose I have improved slightly but I don't think I will ever have the legs/lungs to get all that much better. Afraid average ride speeds of only around 14mph seem pathetic to me compared to the vast majority on here.Mo, you will be able to come on leaps and bounds. It all just depends on time spent in the saddle. I have faith in you! I like Crieff people.
That does surprise me - but I have no reason to doubt what you say.
That's a really good speed, it took me to cycle through my first winter to start see good gains. That's got nothing to do with cycling in the cold and was all about being consistently in the saddle. Although I would also add winter riding is tougher buy cannot beat it for effect. If you hibernate away from the bike during the winter you more or less start from scratch again.
Don't go chasing it too hard, 15mph to 20mph is a big leap in % terms without even considering the extra resistance you start to generate the faster you go I would say it is closer to 45-50% increase in your power output
I genuinely believe that more time in the saddle will reward you with better fitness and as a result you will become faster. Just as less time in the saddle will eventually make you go slower. I am not going to recommend interval training of course but i would say taking in the odd hill on each ride will speed up the process. Also try keeping your cadence quite high until it becomes second nature. Maybe somewhere between 75-95rpm. I say this because i see a lot of riders churning huge gears and really making hard work for themselves. Efficiency is the key.
Actually have 3
Strange thing is I find very little difference in speeds no matter which one I use. Best bike is Specialized Ruby but I am inclined to use the Forme Longcliffe most as invariably the roads are a mess and I put mudguards on it. I have been doing a bit of climbing lately even although I find it hard work. Did the Dunning Glen last week and often go up the climb out of Comrie to go along the Langside. Speed is only creeping up very slowly and did my longest ride so far this morning of 52 miles so getting there gradually.
Absolutely and this is why core work is paramount. Spending 20 minutes, let alone a few hours, in an aero position can be a neck, back, shoulder pain fest! I am so used to riding aero that i now think i get sore when i sit up.
