How far do you get on an hour long ride?

[Lambchop]

Hi,
I am currently trying to get myself back into peak condition, I'm out on my bike approx three times a week. The terrain around here is rather hilly (Chilterns) and I always push myself by going further each week and only stopping for a quick drink. The question is; is an average speed of 14.7mph reasonable at my (beginners) level? What do the more experienced riders average per hour?
Thanks.

 

[Noodley]

Depends if I'm going up the hill or down the hill

 

[Lambchop]

Ok then, can the 'old farts' on here achieve a similar pace?

 

[palinurus]

Depends on the roads I'm riding, and the bike. Training on fast A and B roads I might do 20 miles or more (not much more!). Round the lanes with hills etc. somewhere between 14-16 usually.

 

[Noodley]

Ok then, can the 'old farts' on here achieve a similar pace?

I reckon I'd be quite happy with 14.7mph if it was in the hills.

 

[Lambchop]

Cool, just checking I'm not totally useless! Obviously I've much to build on, will be putting a couple more threads on my progress in the fitness section. Once I get fit(ter) that is! Cheers.

 

[bonk man]

Our club rides usually bat along at 16 mph on the flat bits and 14 on the hillier routes [ this is over about 65-75 miles though ] so you are doing ok.

 

[Bugner]

Personally, I think speed is relative. Terrain, body weight, fitness, bike, all affect speed, as long as you are feeling that you are putting effort in and progressing, i don't think it matters what your average speed is. I have just started doing doing Audax rides and 90% of people go faster than me, but I enjoy what I am doing and am getting fitter. Isn't that what cycling is about unless you are competing competitively??

 

[vernon]

Isn't that what cycling is about unless you are competing competitively??

It is possible to compete uncompetitively?

 

[gavintc]

It is possible to compete uncompetitively?

If you were to see me on my first 4th cat races - that was me. I did not even manage 8 miles before competitive riding became uncompetitive.

 

[dudi]

With the lack of really hilly terrain round here, if I really go for it, I can get pretty close to 25 miles in an hour. but that's flat out... normally i get about 20 miles.
In more hilly terrain I usually go a bit easier, and get about 16-17 miles.

 

[Bugner]

It is possible to compete uncompetitively?

LOL You could argue that Eddie the Eagle and that chap Eric the Eel wasn't it? both competed non competitively

 

[jimboalee]

It is possible to compete uncompetitively?

I don't know.
Consider the members of a team who are not asked to win.

There are what are called "Domestiques". 'Servants' in French.
They are about half a Pro team.

There is the Team leader, the one who will win the race. There is the sprinter. There is the climber.
The Domestiques assist these three to do their job and win some money.

Sometimes Domestiques get to win the race or stage, but that is not their job, they just got lucky.

The 'competativeness' is within the Team environment. Not to win outright.

 

[4F]

With the lack of really hilly terrain round here, if I really go for it, I can get pretty close to 25 miles in an hour. but that's flat out... normally i get about 20 miles.
In more hilly terrain I usually go a bit easier, and get about 16-17 miles.

Yes but you are not normal dudi and your bike has an engine On the same terrain I normally average between 14/16 mph and if I push it the high teens.

 

[tyred]

I can manage about 13-14 MPH average over ten miles on undulating terrain on a SS steel road bike. I am actually slower over the same loop on my slicked up MTB (with gears). This is something I find strange. I know the MTB's heavier but surely having a selection of gears should offset that?