Increasing average speed

[Katherine]

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

Ditto

 

[Elybazza61]

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

This^

You 'may' be clinging on a bit at the end depending on how the group is run but you'll be all the better for it*.The other bonus is that riding in a group helps a lot with bike handling and concentration(apart from when having a natter though) although the downside is that it will feel harder on your own but this is when the HTFU rule kicks in

Oh and I forgot that all good club rides have decent cafe stop





*My first club run ended like this although I was the only newbie in a group of regulars.

 

[xxDarkRiderxx]

I think your already there. Join the club, as others have said you gain more speed riding in a group.

 

[Soltydog]

A local cycle club started up last year & when I asked what speed they would be riding at I was worried by the average 17mph figure, I used to manage 14/15mph at best. Anyway went along & managed it. As others have said you'll easy gain a couple of mph just by being towed along by the group After a few group rides at a faster pace I found myself cycling faster even when alone & have now done a few solo rides with 20mph average which I would have though impossible 12 months ago.
I'd say join the club ride & see how you get on, what's the worst that can happen? You'll maybe get dropped, but if it's a friendly club someone will drop off with you so you're not alone

 

[JMAG]

I had exactly the same experience as @Soltydog except I'm still slow as I've not been doing it long. A local group has a Saturday morning 17+ mph ride. My best average speed on a shortish ride was only 15mph, but I thought I'd give it a go anyway. The guys are great and no one gets left behind i.e. me as I'm still the slowest rider. Cafe stop halfway and plenty of encouragement from fellow riders makes it an enjoyable ride.

 

[Globalti]

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...

Yes that's a respectable average for that distance and climb, especially riding solo. As others say you'lll easily keep up with a group as you'll find yourself being magically pulled along by the slipstream and htting that 15 mph and more.

 

[downfader]

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?

If you're really struggling then consider looking for a local CTC lead ride. I know they run them down here, around 10 miles total distance but generally between 5-10mph. Even a lot of clubs do entry rides for beginners, point is to email some and ask