Southern California - The most singular frustrating thing about riding

Every day I've been doing 20 miles after work on SART. My speed has slowly been going up and I've been getting closer to my goal of 20/20; 20 miles at 20 mph. When I first started riding everyday I was no where near that averaging 16.5 to 17, but now, I have the strength to do it and have gotten to 19.1 (I know this is pathetically slow compared to most here).

The frustrating thing is everyday my legs feel strong, there has been a bad headwind for the first 10 miles out, and I never seem to be able to recover the time and energy lost going back. I can go about 22 mph going back but I put double the effort going out for a measly 17 mph. The times there is no headwind my legs are Jello..It has helped my form though.

I think what I'm trying to say is it seems like nature (and people not paying attention) has more control over performance than you do.

Every day I've been doing 20 miles after work on SART. My speed has slowly been going up and I've been getting closer to my goal of 20/20; 20 miles at 20 mph. When I first started riding everyday I was no where near that averaging 16.5 to 17, but now, I have the strength to do it and have gotten to 19.1 (I know this is pathetically slow compared to most here).

The frustrating thing is everyday my legs feel strong, there has been a bad headwind for the first 10 miles out, and I never seem to be able to recover the time and energy lost going back. I can go about 22 mph going back but I put double the effort going out for a measly 17 mph. The times there is no headwind my legs are Jello..It has helped my form though.

I think what I'm trying to say is it seems like nature (and people not paying attention) has more control over performance than you do.

Try to go out harder. If you are riding at the same time every day, the wind should be pretty constant.
You don't need too much energy for the tailwind to push you back. When I do time trials that are headwind out, tailwind back, the goal is to practically blow up by the turnaround.

Over what period of time are we talking about, have you been doing this for a couple of months or a year?

Considering a headwind, your speed seems just fine, in fact, quite fast. What are you complaining about?

Instead of giving it all going out, warm out nice and easy, push at the end and then give a greater effort coming back after your legs are warmed up and see what happens. I think you will be surprised.

mph probably isn't the right factor to focus on. Keep in mind, that by getting faster, and keeping your workout at the same distance, your workouts are getting shorter.

Meh, it happens. :lol:

I know exactly what you're talking about though. I've been riding that stretch of SART almost every saturday afternoon/evening for the last month or two. I'm guessing you're starting at the northeast end of the trail by the hotel... I've been taking my fixed gear out and the headwind is kind of a buzzkill, not brutal, but enough to make me groan.

The way back from Mt. Rubidoux is alot of fun as long as the tailwind keeps up. Hitting 30mph on those spur-of-the-moment sprints with my friends is alot of fun. :D

Doing the exact same ride the exact same way every day is probably one of the least effective ways to try to improve your performance. Your body learns what you are trying to do, masters the task, and will now do everything possible not to expend one extra bit of energy to complete this routine task. If you really want to see improvement you need to start doing drills specific to the performance goolas that you set for yourself.

This will sound like a silly question, but are getting into an "aero" tuck when you battle the headwind?

It sounds like you need to increase your return speed. If you could manage 23-25MPH with the tailwind then you could increase your average.

17MPH into a headwind is a pretty good average!

Maybe try one of these to increase your average speed?

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/images/qr%20lucero%2007.jpg

Over what period of time are we talking about, have you been doing this for a couple of months or a year?

About 8 weeks now...

This will sound like a silly question, but are getting into an "aero" tuck when you battle the headwind?

I've actually improved alot, at first I'd ride high on the hoods, last ride I was low in the drops the whole time out. Helped alot.

Meh, it happens. :lol:

I know exactly what you're talking about though. I've been riding that stretch of SART almost every saturday afternoon/evening for the last month or two. I'm guessing you're starting at the northeast end of the trail by the hotel... I've been taking my fixed gear out and the headwind is kind of a buzzkill, not brutal, but enough to make me groan.

The way back from Mt. Rubidoux is alot of fun as long as the tailwind keeps up. Hitting 30mph on those spur-of-the-moment sprints with my friends is alot of fun. :D

Yeah, I work about a mile from the hotel, so I usually go right after work. I used to be the only person there, but now when I return the whole parking lot is filled with cars. I see pace lines, TT bikes and all kinds of people out there training. Very nice change for the IE.

I do that ride quite a lot, but I start with the tailwind and do a turnaround at the hotel. That headwind can be really punishing, so 17mph through there is, I'd say, pretty darned good.

VanceMac says it right: it might not be best to focus too much on the mph. I mean, it's cool to have a goal dangling in the background, but make sure you're getting the workout you want. And if you're in it for the mental health, like I am, enjoy the scenery as well. If you keep riding past Mt. Rubidoux, toward Van Buren, the river gets really lovely around Anza Narrows park. And if you're looking to really lengthen your ride, I'd recommend getting off the trail at Fairmount Park, ride south on Magnolia, weave through the Wood Streets (my 'hood!), over Pachappa Hill to Victoria. Then ride Victoria to the Citrus State Historic Park. It's a beautiful ride. Round trip would probably put you at about 40 -50 miles I'm guessing.