Increasing average speed

[gillian]

Hey folks,
I'm starting to get really into my road cycling and would really love to be able to join a local club to get out with others. Problem is ... I don't cycle quickly enough. Most of the clubs have a minimum average speed of 15mph which I'm just not hitting yet (don't laugh!). What can I do to try and improve my average speed over longer distances? Is it purely about getting out and putting in the miles therefore getting stronger and subsequently faster? Or is there other stuff I should be doing?

 

[Citius]

Is it purely about getting out and putting in the miles therefore getting stronger and subsequently faster?

Just this. Ride, then ride some more. Your speed will improve with fitness.

 

[G3CWI]

Just cycling will do it. No magic.

 

[13 rider]

Yes the more you rider the fitter you get therefore the faster you go . If you ride in a group compared to being along you will be quicker bit of shelter behind other riders. Try to ride with someone who faster than you for motivation you will try to keep up and seems easier with company . good luck and enjoy the riding. Contact a local club to see if they do a slower ride 12mph some do

 

[vickster]

How busy are the roads upon which you are measuring your average speed? Traffic and lights obviously kill it. Riding in a group will also up your speed once you are confident drafting etc. are you riding very hilly terrain too?

 

[Katherine]

Where are you in the country?

Have a search via Facebook and local information. There are often social groups that organise friendly rides with no pressure, usually with a cake stop and with the "nobody gets left behind" style. I've been on a few and by the time we've stopped and waited for each other, the average speed can often be 8-10 mph.

 

[HLaB]

Simples, find a big hill, start at the top of it and finish at the bottom.
Seriously though, what type of bike are you riding and what sort of terrain is it? near 15mph may be good going if you are riding a heavy, knobbly treaded mtb on a hilly terrain. There could be some simple gains however, by modding the bike if it is, slick tyres and perhaps locking out suspension if you have it. Regardless of what bike you have getting it set up right (particularly the saddle height IMO) can help too but at the end of the day you need to practice too.

 

[gillian]

Mainly been hitting country roads so very little stopping. Not overly hilly, more 'undulating' I'd say! I've had a look for the more sociable rides but if I'm being honest I think I'm probably somewhere in between ... Today's ride was 46 miles, 2300ft ascent with 13.8mph average. So whilst I will benefit from the social side of these more relaxed runs I'm not sure I'm going to be pushing myself. Just need to get this extra 1.5mph from somewhere!! I'm based just south of Glasgow so if anyone knows of anything they think would be suitable...

 

[screenman]

You will gain 2+ mph riding in a group, just go and join a club.

 

[vickster]

Just find a club with a no drop policy and give it a go

 

[ChrisEyles]

+1 for getting out and riding more, worked for me (eventually!)

 

[HLaB]

You will gain 2+ mph riding in a group, just go and join a club.

Agreed, I waited until I got to that magic 15mph before joining a club. When I did I found it a little bit easy and came to that realisation and wished I'd joined a club earlier.

 

[nickyboy]

Mainly been hitting country roads so very little stopping. Not overly hilly, more 'undulating' I'd say! I've had a look for the more sociable rides but if I'm being honest I think I'm probably somewhere in between ... Today's ride was 46 miles, 2300ft ascent with 13.8mph average. So whilst I will benefit from the social side of these more relaxed runs I'm not sure I'm going to be pushing myself. Just need to get this extra 1.5mph from somewhere!! I'm based just south of Glasgow so if anyone knows of anything they think would be suitable...

You don't need to be any fitter or faster than you are at the moment. That's a decent average speed on a far from flat longish ride. Riding in a group will up your speed due to drafting and a bit more motivation to keep up. Chill out, you'll be fine, you're already fast eough

 

[ianrauk]

Most clubs have different ability and speed levels.

 

[mjr]

Never coast. Hammer it up to every stop line or give way and haul the brakes as hard as possible to stop as quickly as possible. When you can go, push as hard as you can. Yes, it's dangerous and stupid, but your average speed will be artificially inflated.