Living Car Free - Slowing down.....

Since going car free, I don't ride as fast, I just go. I don't have a speedometer but it seems like I pass fewer people and more bikers blow by me when I'm on the MUPs. I used to chalk it up to just being more relaxed from not driving. But, I was returning from a friends house and a jogger passed me. The guy had grey hair too. Of course I have a whole bag full of ready excuses for why I'm not riding fast at any particular moment but they all seem hollow in this instance.

Well, I'm only car-lite, and I still try to ride fast. However, my driving is much different. I find myself taking the same routes in the car that I would on a bike. I also drive slower, generally 5 MPH less than the speed limit. It seems to annoy people just as much as riding a bike. :)

I have the same problem. I have very noticeably large quadraceps and I'm constantly being passed by riders who are evidently newbies with fatties tire mountain bikes. Of course, they are usually running in the big ring and I am running in the middle ring. They usually don't have any bags hanging off the side and I never travel without mine. Sometimes they are younger than my 55 years, but occasionally they are older. I would like to say that it really doesn't bother me, although I occasionally make heroic (but failed) attempts to catch up.

Maybe I should grease my hubs ...? :)

I like going fast. I've got both of my bikes fitted with computers. It's fun to know how fast (or slow) you're going at different times. Fastest speed so far was 35.8 mph in traffic on a slight downhill slope where I normally hit a top speed of 27.5 mph. I think the wind helped. Most of the time, though, my average speeds on both bikes are between 12 and 14 mph.

Two comments:

1. I too have found that now, when I drive (which is less than about 1000 miles a year in my wife's car), I am amazingly more relaxed, calmer, and--frankly--slower. I hardly ever exceed the speed limit any more :-)

2. If you are a man, over the age of 50, and you notice that your average speed is dropping, there is a distinct possibility that you may be experiencing testosterone deficiency. My training log showed a gradual decline over about two and a half years, and I finally felt so bad that I sought medical attention. Since I've been on therapy my quality of life has improved immensely. Don't put up with it!

har har
i totally understand this. On my road bike, doing a ride, it's hammer hammer. On my daily bike which always has a trailer attached whether there are kids in it or not, my ride is way slower and more relaxed. And if the weather is nice, man, I can find myself lallygagging along, , , , ,

When I was car-free, I actually increased my speed. It was during that time that I logged my fastest centuries.

My commute to work was 6.7 kms each way, and I would ride as fast as I could on my heavy mtn bike ... sort of like doing little Time Trials to and from work. Even just doing that much speed work every day helped.

I'm with Machka. I get a little faster every season.

This year I got to where I was passing most people on the MUP instead of the other way around.

Even so, another 50+ or maybe even 60+ guy blew by me yesterday. And it turned out he was another commuter, so I couldn't even use that excuse. Age and commuter bike, both my good excuses--gone.

Even so, it turned out to be a personal best for me on that route--18.1 MPH average for a 20.03 route. And that guy still dropped me like a hot potato.

Frankly, I can't tell you why I try to go fast. I had two hours to get to work and I did it in 1:06:30. I blame my bike.

Then there was the night last spring when I was coming home with bulging-full grocery panniers, and I latched-on to a group ride going by at an intersection. Never seen such frustration on a group of roadies' faces before in my life.

In the last two months I've been trying to increase my speed. It is really a good feeling to get somewhere a minute faster than in the previous week. Then again, it is a real downer to do the same trip and return to the previously slower time.

Since I work at home I don't make a daily trip. I usually ride once a week to get food and sometimes a trip or two to a different type of store. Having many days off between rides does help one to fully recover and build muscles. Since trying to increase my speed my thighs have gotten bigger.

I should buy another speedometer to keep track of my improvements. My cheap Nashbar computer only lasted four months. It was fun to use when it worked.

Three days ago I spotted two people riding the path about a half mile ahead of me. They were coasting and just riding in spurts. It took me a mile to catch them riding with high pressure tires. As I got close to them I saw they were on mountain bikes with knobby tires. Even with my improved speed it showed me that I'm still a relatively slow rider.

My goal is to be able to cruise at twenty miles per hour and do short sprints at thirty-five miles per hour.

Being car free is making me want to ride faster. I was never in a hurry while cycling when I owned a car or motorcycle. The faster I can ride a bicycle makes me even less likely to buy another car. It also makes it easier to justify not buying another car.

^ I've got two of these (http://www.amazon.com/Schwinn-SW654-17-Function-Bike-Computer/dp/B000DZD3FQ). One on each bike. $10 at Amazon.

I plan for ten miles an hour. I don't get faster each year and the pain doesn't go away.

I normally do twelve but with the stop lights I drop. I like to relax and enjoy myself much safer at a slower speed. I cycle 300 plus days a year.

I plan for ten miles an hour. I don't get faster each year and the pain doesn't go away.

I normally do twelve but with the stop lights I drop. I like to relax and enjoy myself much safer at a slower speed. I cycle 300 plus days a year.

Well ... you just made me feel better!! :D

BTW - slower isn't necessarily safer.

And ... why would you be in pain when you cycle ... especially when cycling so slowly?

I ride a beater bike to and from work, and that round-trip route includes 4km of quite rough gravel road. I know that I will get to work in around 28 minutes, give or take a minute or two depending on the wind. The return trip is usually slightly faster because of more downhill.

I don't run a computer on the work bike, and I try to ride so I am not overly sweaty when I get to work.

However... when I get home and switch bikes to go to the PO, the shop, the mountain tracks or just for a training run... then I ride a bit faster... quite a bit faster... if you know what I mean.

I've been riding slower lately (rather than full speed ahead all the time) and it's nice. Less knee pain, less stress, and I'm less likely to be too tired to ride here and there for errands in addition to the daily commute.

And ... why would you be in pain when you cycle ... especially when cycling so slowly?

Dunno about the OP, but that's around my speed. And yes, pain happens. Most of the time, it's the usual problem of arthritic joints telling me to treat them Very Very Gently. Biking is less painful than walking, but if I have a big load or the weather is off, I'll still hurt.

Mostly, I look at it as a reason to improve my spin.

Another slowster.... average 11-13mph on my commutes, but there are some large hills and stoplights. Nonetheless, I'm reconciled to never being fast... too small and skinny to put much power to the pedals, especially with 40lbs. of bike and gear on the commute. The only time I pass people is during long climbs.

This week I used a back-up rig, a Peugeot road bike with a hi-ten frame and steel wheels that some nice lady gave me earlier this season. Hauling around all that steel can really tucker a guy my age out, so today I rode more slowly. It was quite refreshing loping around on a big heavy bike. It's pleasant with all the bright fall colors and gentle breeze. I'm not in any huge hurry.

Now, when my brother-in-law takes me out for a pleasure ride he always wants to go faster and faster. I'll, naturally, take a much lighter bike and really spin. Can't stand it when he does that, but he gets some satisfaction from feeling like he's faster than me. Everybody needs their cookie.

Dunno about the OP, but that's around my speed. And yes, pain happens. Most of the time, it's the usual problem of arthritic joints telling me to treat them Very Very Gently. Biking is less painful than walking, but if I have a big load or the weather is off, I'll still hurt.

Mostly, I look at it as a reason to improve my spin.

I can see it if you've got arthritis ... I have arthritis in my right foot and walking is always painful ... but if you're generally fine and there's pain while riding, then the bicycle isn't set up correctly.

Two comments:

2. If you are a man, over the age of 50, and you notice that your average speed is dropping, there is a distinct possibility that you may be experiencing testosterone deficiency. My training log showed a gradual decline over about two and a half years, and I finally felt so bad that I sought medical attention. Since I've been on therapy my quality of life has improved immensely. Don't put up with it!

I was tested in the normal range about 5-6 years ago for a life insurance workup. Maybe drugs are the answer?

Last night I went out to a party with my daughter. She dropped me on the sections without traffic but on the parts of the ride where we needed traffic and bike handling skills I led the way. On the way home after too many drinks we both took it slow, especially after we passed a motorcycle accident. Something about a mangled motorcycle in the midddle of the road makes me cringe. We were glad for the segregated side path.

I have been commuting 8 miles (13km?) each way for a year now and have got no quicker. However it's much easier to do now.

I quite often get passed by other bicycles but think 'you passed me now. How will you be feeling in 30 minutes?'

Well ... you just made me feel better!! :D

BTW - slower isn't necessarily safer.

And ... why would you be in pain when you cycle ... especially when cycling so slowly?

:)

I find slower 20kmph in the city is safer. I can stop much faster and have more reflex time.


Well I spin, so slow is again in context. I try to ease my pain as much as I can. I got my bike fitted once and he gave me knee pain ha! Went to the doctor and got charged alot of money. I read all the online info, and I am always in pain no matter what I do. That being said I can cycle ten hours in a day.

I've never owned a car, but have only been cycling for about a year. Die hard roadies pass me when I have sneakers and street clothes on, but I can at least keep up with everyone else. What bothered me only a little, was that a fixie gave me such a run for my money that after three miles I was so happy to see my turn come up and him continue on. Now, again, excuses come to mind. I had just done around thirty miles.

If you drive even a little that's time that your legs get to relax. If you live in a somewhat large city and cycle everywhere it makes sense that you're tired.

Like Machka, the commute is my TT. This is convenient, since it's a standard course, year after year. I even write the time down in my journal! :o

One thing I've noticed is that the time goes up in the winter--by two or three minutes (which is a LOT). I think this is mainly because the cold air is denser and therefore slower. My fastest times are in late summer and early fall, the season when I feel the happiest and ride the most.

My "TT" commute times went down over the first couple years of riding. Now they've plateaued, other than th seasonal variations I mentioned. But at my age, a plateau can be a good thing. At least I'm not declining! Like the Red Queen, I'm riding as fast as I can just to stay in one place.

I spent the first 20+ years of my cycling trying to go as fast as I could. Now I just ride to get there and enjoy the sights along the way that has been my goal for the past 20+ and I plan to keep it up for at least another 30+:thumb:

Aaron:)

Like Machka, the commute is my TT. This is convenient, since it's a standard course, year after year. I even write the time down in my journal! :o

One thing I've noticed is that the time goes up in the winter--by two or three minutes (which is a LOT). I think this is mainly because the cold air is denser and therefore slower. My fastest times are in late summer and early fall, the season when I feel the happiest and ride the most.

My "TT" commute times went down over the first couple years of riding. Now they've plateaued, other than th seasonal variations I mentioned. But at my age, a plateau can be a good thing. At least I'm not declining! Like the Red Queen, I'm riding as fast as I can just to stay in one place.
I notice that my commute times are amazingly consistent given the stop lights and other variables. If I try to push myself or tell myself I'll go at a relaxed pace it doesn't seem to matter. When I think I'll ride hard, I end up relaxing and forgetting the whole project, when I think I'll go slow the joy of cycling will take over and I'll creep up to my normal pace without thinking. A bigger difference is between bikes. On my euro style utility bike my 10 mile commute took between 5 and 10 minutes longer than the recumbent.

I would guess that it isn't the dense cold air of winter but the longer time for your muscles to warm up? I'll have to ask a physicist next time I run into one.

I would guess that it isn't the dense cold air of winter but the longer time for your muscles to warm up? I'll have to ask a physicist next time I run into one.

There's an interesting article (http://www.icebike.org/Articles/SlowerWinter.htm) on icebike.org about why winter speeds are slower. They conclude that greater air density is a major factor.

There's an interesting article (http://www.icebike.org/Articles/SlowerWinter.htm) on icebike.org about why winter speeds are slower. They conclude that greater air density is a major factor.
Thanks. Bulkier clothing + heavier air. For me its probably bulkier clothing since I only ride below freezing temeratures a few days per year. Plus I don't try to wear tight aero clothing when it gets cold. Loose rain pants over sweat pants and a loose rain jacket over sweaters. Its not clear to me that the increased density causes a proportional decrease in speed.

As always, who passes who at any given point in time is totally meaningless. You don't know what the other guy or girl's circumstances are, and he/she doesn't know yours.

I'm carless too, and so sometimes, I'm just riding to get somewhere I need to go. I usually take the old mountain bike for that, and I'm not trying to beat anyone. On my longer fitness rides on my road bike, I deliberately don't start out too fast for the first 20-30 minutes, and I relax it towards the end too. It's really just newbies who don't know anything who go out like a bat out of hell at all times (or people with a sudden, temporary interest in cycling who have to do something with that new Cervelo).

Oh, and like many would be wise to do, I take it more slowly on bikepaths. There are too many dangers there, plus I really don't want to run over any squirrels if I can avoid it. Even birds can be problematic on the bikepaths around here.

It's really just newbies who don't know anything who go out like a bat out of hell at all times (or people with a sudden, temporary interest in cycling who have to do something with that new Cervelo).

That's a good point. Once you gain some experience, you can select the proper speed and exertion level for a given day's riding. You never feel tired unless you want to.

That's a good point. Once you gain some experience, you can select the proper speed and exertion level for a given day's riding. You never feel tired unless you want to.

+1

And by "day's riding", I do mean an entire day's riding ... and night too.

Eating and drinking regularly also help.

+1

And by "day's riding", I do mean an entire day's riding ... and night too.

Eating and drinking regularly also help.

Yea I go eight hours and only be a little tired, but not sore. I have done some 10 -13 days which made me a little more tired.
Spinning helps on that.

There's an interesting article (http://www.icebike.org/Articles/SlowerWinter.htm) on icebike.org about why winter speeds are slower. They conclude that greater air density is a major factor.

I looked at this again and don't think their reasoning is correct. By their reasoning, it looks like they are saying that if the air density doubles- 100% increase - your speed would drop to zero. Even if you can approximate speed changes due to small changes in density by a linear relationship, the proportionality factor is probably not 1.0.

I looked at this again and don't think their reasoning is correct. By their reasoning, it looks like they are saying that if the air density doubles- 100% increase - your speed would drop to zero. Even if you can approximate speed changes due to small changes in density by a linear relationship, the proportionality factor is probably not 1.0.

Yes, but the density wouldn't double until something like -300*C. At those temps--never found on our planet--I think the atmospheric gases would freeze solid and fall to the ground like snow. You'd need studded tires for traction, but it wouldn't take much effort to pedal through the resulting vacuum.

At more realistic earth-like temps, you might expect to need more effort on a level of 5% to 20%, as shown on Icebike's graph:

http://www.icebike.org/images/airden2.gif

Yes, but the density wouldn't double until something like -300*C. At those temps--never found on our planet--I think the atmospheric gases would freeze solid and fall to the ground like snow. You'd need studded tires for traction, but it wouldn't take much effort to pedal through the resulting vacuum.

At more realistic earth-like temps, you might expect to need more effort on a level of 5% to 20%, as shown on Icebike's graph:


"Even if you can approximate speed changes due to small changes in density by a linear relationship, the proportionality factor is probably not 1.0."

The graph doesn't plot the relationship between density changes and speed changes at constant power.

"Even if you can approximate speed changes due to small changes in density by a linear relationship, the proportionality factor is probably not 1.0."

The graph doesn't plot the relationship between density changes and speed changes at constant power.

True, but the accompanying text implies a direct relationship between air density and speed changes (or additional effort needed to maintain the same speed).

I've been carefree for 30 years.I still average 10-12mph.Only thing that makes me change speeds is ice and wind.

Weekend warriors in kits and 17lb bikes that think they can leave me in the dust,need a lesson every once in awhile.Every so often I'll get a ding-dong that thinks I'm not fast enough for some reason and has to let me know.So I'll get on his back wheel and let them try to leave me.Nothing pisses them of more than some old guy with a cigarette hanging out of his mouth,dressed in a t-shirt,Dickies work pants and tennis shoes,keeping up with them on a 30 year old touring bike with all the goodies on it and then passing them when they run out of steam.That makes all those years of slow riding worth it.