Went out for my ride today and ran into one of the faster groups that ride in our area. I know their route which is the same one I am riding so I figure I'll ride in a bit and see how I do. They were clearly just taking it easy at about 20-21mph for the first mile or so but I know when we get to the next turn there is a 3 miles straight away and the speed will pick up. Sure enough we make the turn and the hammer goes down, 25, 28, 30mph. I'm hanging on the end in 52/16 pedaling at over 100rpm, finally I look at my heart rate and its at 94% (184bpm) and I figure I better drop off before I explode. I looked at my garmin after the fact and for the 3 miles including about 0.5 miles after I was dropped my average speed was 26mph.

This is about all I can do, yet when you compare this to the pro peloton they do a lazy 25mph and the guys have HR at about 110bpm, I think Levi did the TT yesterday averaging > 32mph. It is really amazing how fast the pros can ride.

I'd be pretty damn happy if I could average 26mph.

Excellent observation and agree wholeheartedly. On our 10 mile TT, the track record is around 31+ mph and it is only 10 miles. What these guys do at that level is truly remarkable.

The general population that doesn't ride will never appreciate the performance and ability of folks doing the TdF-or other tours as well. Unfortunately what I hear from folks who don't ride is the scandal side of the sport. Just sad.

This is the type of riding I like to do best. I much prefer shorter faster rides than longer rides. After about 60 miles I just don't enjoy being on the bike that much. Another prop to the pros who not only go fast they do it over incredible distances day in and day out and then of course there are the climbs. I am just amazed that anyone can ride into Paris at the end.

I'm stiil amazed at how relaxed Levi looked coming by me at the top of "the wall" section of Brasstown Bald during the Tour de Georgia this year. On a 1/3 mile section where I had to stop twice to keep my heart from exploding, he looked like he was out for a cruise. All those guys are amazing.