Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - I've gotten fast(er).

I had not done the MUP that I initially started riding on since I started commuting a month or so ago. At that time, I was averaging 11.5 to 12mph on it over a 25 to 30 mile loop on that MUP.

I've been a little disappointed lately because I have only been averaging about 12mph on my 16 mile round trip commute and thought that wasn't much of an improvement over a month or so of riding. I have noticed that my legs seemed to not get as tired, though.

Well, I did a 28 mile loop with a 15mph wind on that MUP today and averaged 13.9mph. And my legs are incredibly fresh. And, unlike before when I rode that loop, I did not struggle around the 22 to 25 mile mark. I guess riding on the rough shoulder to work with hills and wind has made me stronger than I thought.

I am not up to the 18 plus mph averages I see some people get but I am stoked that I was able to average almost 14mph with my fully loaded MTB.

Hey Stujoe,

The legs getting stronger thing is great isn't it? I have been riding since June and I have had the same thing. My averages are creeping up (never as much as I think they should) and after a 20+ mile ride I am a little dissapointed that there is not more. A couple months ago I was praying for the end:D

Also, to make you jealous, I just walked in from riding the Tunnel Hill Trail this morning:p I deposited my girfriend at the Tunnel Hill Trailhaed and drove down to Vienna and rode the 10 miles back up to her and then we rode back together.

The next time you decide to head back down here, give me a shout and lets hook up.

Again, Congrats on the increases.

Jay

Jealous indeed! I bet that whole area is going to get even prettier as the colors start to change. We may not get down there again until spring but I would love to get together to ride it whenever we do get down again. It would be nice to have someone to ride with for a change. I can't get my wife to get anywhere near a bike. lol

I'm faster as well:

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1363/1463790377_a255453f24_o.jpg

I could have used one of those to counteract the headwinds today. lol

Crazylady countering a headwind.....at Mach 0.5;)

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/CopyofCardinalGreenway020.jpg

Stujoe was that you I saw today near Horseshoe Lake? I saw a guy riding with those drop bar ends heading the opposite direction as me somewhere around 10:30 am or so. B**** of a headwind today wasn't it.

There have been times I wished I could pop out a wind surf sail.

I was feelin' lazy today and we had wicked south winds (15+ continuous) so I got the little lady to meet me with the truck in a little town about 19 miles to the North and rode a strong tailwind. Yep, it's cheating, but it was incredibly fun riding 20+ for 90% of the way. If I had to do an out and back, I may not have bothered. I hate going 10 mph.

I got the bent and my fat butt up to 36 mph for about a 1/4 mile on a downhill and a subsequent valley... A bit scary.

Stujoe was that you I saw today near Horseshoe Lake? I saw a guy riding with those drop bar ends heading the opposite direction as me somewhere around 10:30 am or so. B**** of a headwind today wasn't it.

I am pretty sure that would have been me heading for the YMCA near the end of the ride. Timing is pretty much spot on. Was I trying valiantly to keep up with a road biker? lol Sounds like it might have been before that. Those winds did kick up pretty good.

Did the bike look like this?

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1247/1463518409_0bc89a2d75.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/stujoe/1463518409/)

That looks like it. Keep up the good work and if you we cross paths again I will be sure to give you a shout. I was the on a black scattante road bike wearing the purplish Sunset Amber Ale jersey heading the opposite direction.

I will keep an eye out next time I am up there for sure.

I had not done the MUP that I initially started riding on since I started commuting a month or so ago. At that time, I was averaging 11.5 to 12mph on it over a 25 to 30 mile loop on that MUP.

I've been a little disappointed lately because I have only been averaging about 12mph on my 16 mile round trip commute and thought that wasn't much of an improvement over a month or so of riding. I have noticed that my legs seemed to not get as tired, though.

Well, I did a 28 mile loop with a 15mph wind on that MUP today and averaged 13.9mph. And my legs are incredibly fresh. And, unlike before when I rode that loop, I did not struggle around the 22 to 25 mile mark. I guess riding on the rough shoulder to work with hills and wind has made me stronger than I thought.

I am not up to the 18 plus mph averages I see some people get but I am stoked that I was able to average almost 14mph with my fully loaded MTB.



Good job, just keep it up and be patient. Keep building that aerobic base. Speed will follow on its own (although drills help as well).