strong to weak

[aluckyfiji]

so when I start my ride feel strong and am riding well (~21mph), by about the 30min mark still feel good and have slowed down (19-20mph) by the end of my ride around the 60min mark, i still feel good but I am in the 17.5-18 mph range, but if I keep my eye on my computer I can hold 19-19.5mph no problem
Is this just an endurance issue? or is it modivational issue?
I ride on a VERY flat out and back course (where the majority of the cyclist ride), soloist by choice (b/c of work I could never make a set time and set length of ride)
Do you have any secerts to help me hold either a constant pace? I am planning on doing my first centenial this Aug, and my goal is 5hr, so I need to stay in the 20+mph for the five hours
Thanks for the input.

[H. Star]

so when I start my ride feel strong and am riding well (~21mph), by about the 30min mark still feel good and have slowed down (19-20mph) by the end of my ride around the 60min mark, i still feel good but I am in the 17.5-18 mph range, but if I keep my eye on my computer I can hold 19-19.5mph no problem
Is this just an endurance issue? or is it modivational issue?
I ride on a VERY flat out and back course (where the majority of the cyclist ride), soloist by choice (b/c of work I could never make a set time and set length of ride)
Do you have any secerts to help me hold either a constant pace? I am planning on doing my first centenial this Aug, and my goal is 5hr, so I need to stay in the 20+mph for the five hours
Thanks for the input.

Ride with another person, preferably one that you think is stronger than yourself. You will be surprised how much faster you ride when you are not alone.

[timmhaan]

sounds like you might be coming on too strong at the beginning. for a change of pace, try reversing your averages - ride 17.5-18 at the beginning, bump it up to 19 for a bit, then near the end strive for 20+.