sebring
07-08-03, 07:53 PM
Whats you average speed for your long distance rides? I'm just curious as to what to expect from myself. I really like to move, but I'm guessing I probably need to pace myself better for the time being.
Touring - Average speed
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Chris L
07-09-03, 02:51 AM
It really depends on how much you're carrying. When I'm doing a fully-loaded tour, I'm satisfied with an average speed of 18-24km/h. Mind you, I don't pay much attention to it when touring for the most part in any case. The most physically demanding part of touring, IMHO, is backing up from one day to the next, so it's important to ensure that you don't overcook yourself on one particular day. Basically, find a pace that is comfortable for you, and let the rest take care of itself.
Juha
07-09-03, 04:12 AM
In April this year I took a mini tour (450kms) when I realised I will not have time for a proper one during summer. During my third ride day (I ride about 80-100kms per day on tours) my knees and ankles started to act up. This happened a couple of years ago too, and back then I did not care. I just pushed it for a couple of days until my knee got so bad I could not ride any more. Took the train home, and it took me nearly a week to be able to bike again.
Lesson learned, this time I slowed down, tried to increase the cadence, spinned with less load, paid attention to my foot position on the pedal etc. This all helped, the pain did not get any worse, and after a couple of hours I felt definitely better. But for the remaining two days I had to start really slowly. I would look at the comp and feel ridiculous. Another lesson for me: I quit watching my avg speed during the day and enjoyed the scenery instead. During the day I would only use the comp for calculating distances to the next crossroads and to make sure I was drinking enough. And despite my slow starts, I still had avg speeds of 18-20 km/h at the end of the day.
I still ride "against" the comp when I commute, but from now on I will definitely refuse to do it on a fully loaded tour. Find the speed and cadence that *feels* best for you, and in the evening you can always check what that speed was for that particular day. On a long tour that may save you a lot of trouble and stress.
--J
Lesson learned, this time I slowed down, tried to increase the cadence, spinned with less load, paid attention to my foot position on the pedal etc. This all helped, the pain did not get any worse, and after a couple of hours I felt definitely better. But for the remaining two days I had to start really slowly. I would look at the comp and feel ridiculous. Another lesson for me: I quit watching my avg speed during the day and enjoyed the scenery instead. During the day I would only use the comp for calculating distances to the next crossroads and to make sure I was drinking enough. And despite my slow starts, I still had avg speeds of 18-20 km/h at the end of the day.
I still ride "against" the comp when I commute, but from now on I will definitely refuse to do it on a fully loaded tour. Find the speed and cadence that *feels* best for you, and in the evening you can always check what that speed was for that particular day. On a long tour that may save you a lot of trouble and stress.
--J
Merriwether
07-11-03, 03:00 PM
If I've got a load, I look to do 40 miles every three hours, which is 13.33... mph.
There is a psychological benefit to thinking about the three hour time, though. I try not to look at the speedo, or the avg., or anything. I look at the riding time elapsed, and I try to do that only every hour or so. The idea is to look at the ride as my sitting there, cruising along and pedaling easily, while the time flies by. I purposefully make myself be unconcerned about speed, knowing that if I just keep turning the pedals over easily I'll get there. And I always do, and at about 13.* mph. Makes long days much easier.
There is a psychological benefit to thinking about the three hour time, though. I try not to look at the speedo, or the avg., or anything. I look at the riding time elapsed, and I try to do that only every hour or so. The idea is to look at the ride as my sitting there, cruising along and pedaling easily, while the time flies by. I purposefully make myself be unconcerned about speed, knowing that if I just keep turning the pedals over easily I'll get there. And I always do, and at about 13.* mph. Makes long days much easier.
hayneda
07-11-03, 03:19 PM
For loaded touring, covering roghly 100 miles/day, I average about 14 mph if using panniers, and about 15.5 mph if using a trailer. For credit card touring, I use a lightweight bike with just a change of clothes and rain jacket. Then I average about 17-18 mph and cover 140-160 miles/day.
This may seem strange, as the trailer is the heavier option (although by only 3-4 lbs), but I believe it is due to the better aerodynamics of the trailer vs. panniers. I think it would also depend upon the riders speed, as a slower rider would be less 'penalized' by aerodynamics.
Please don't let this start a panniers vs. trailer debate, as I'm only pointing out my observations. I use both (not at the same time) and can't decide which I like best. Both have advantages and disadvantages.
Dave
This may seem strange, as the trailer is the heavier option (although by only 3-4 lbs), but I believe it is due to the better aerodynamics of the trailer vs. panniers. I think it would also depend upon the riders speed, as a slower rider would be less 'penalized' by aerodynamics.
Please don't let this start a panniers vs. trailer debate, as I'm only pointing out my observations. I use both (not at the same time) and can't decide which I like best. Both have advantages and disadvantages.
Dave
drcrash
07-17-03, 07:52 PM
I averaged 12 mph on my last long tour (2100 miles).
swekarl
07-18-03, 06:59 PM
On my Central Europe bike tour last summer my average speed was usually 20 km/h or around. Never over 22. But then I didn't care to snap of the computer when I was walking with the bike for some minutes or so, so the average speed is not so accurate. I had days along the Danube Biketrail with a cruising speed of 30 km/h which was just lovely. But that's cruising speed, not average speed.