What is your ride level?
#1
Pedal pusher...
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 7,766
Bikes: I've got a bunch...
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5 Post(s)
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
What is your ride level?
Beginner (5-9 mph average)
Energetic beginner (9-12 mph average)
Intermediate (12-15 mph average)
Advanced (15 mph-18 mph average)
Super Advanced (what?)
Energetic beginner (9-12 mph average)
Intermediate (12-15 mph average)
Advanced (15 mph-18 mph average)
Super Advanced (what?)
__________________
May you live long, live strong, and live happy!
May you live long, live strong, and live happy!
Last edited by alicestrong; 08-19-07 at 11:02 AM.
#2
Squirrel
Cool! I'm up to "energetic beginner" and slipping into Intermediate on a good stretch! You made my day, Alicestrong!
Oh, and I did 23 miles yesterday!!!
Oh, and I did 23 miles yesterday!!!
__________________
#3
Bike Junkie
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: South of Raleigh, North of New Hill, East of Harris Lake, NC
Posts: 9,622
Bikes: Specialized Tarmac, Specialized Roubaix, Giant OCR-C, Specialized Stumpjumper FSR, Stumpjumper Comp, 88 & 92Nishiki Ariel, 87 Centurion Ironman, 92 Paramount, 84 Nishiki Medalist
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 68 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 37 Times
in
27 Posts
Good thread. I moved to advanced about 2 months ago on the road bike.
Of course on a mountain trail you would have to start a new catagory "under 5 MPH, Walks With Bike"
Of course on a mountain trail you would have to start a new catagory "under 5 MPH, Walks With Bike"
__________________
Roccobike BF Official Thread Terminator
Roccobike BF Official Thread Terminator
#4
Time for a change.
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: 6 miles inland from the coast of Sussex, in the South East of England
Posts: 19,913
Bikes: Dale MT2000. Bianchi FS920 Kona Explosif. Giant TCR C. Boreas Ignis. Pinarello Fp Uno.
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times
in
4 Posts
Have to agree about the Under 5mph bit though Especially up Ventoux.
This is a reply that is from an experienced Mountain biker that stopped walking after his 3rd year. Untill then it was look at the hill and see if there were any gears left. If none- then get ready for a walk by unclipping.
And I just slip into the advanced group on the road but On the offroad- I'm still an energetic beginner.
__________________
How long was I in the army? Five foot seven.
Spike Milligan
How long was I in the army? Five foot seven.
Spike Milligan
#5
just keep riding
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Milledgeville, Georgia
Posts: 13,560
Bikes: 2018 Black Mountain Cycles MCD,2017 Advocate Cycles Seldom Seen Drop Bar, 2017 Niner Jet 9 Alloy, 2015 Zukas custom road, 2003 KHS Milano Tandem, 1986 Nishiki Cadence rigid MTB, 1980ish Fuji S-12S
Mentioned: 15 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 173 Post(s)
Liked 33 Times
in
22 Posts
If by changing routes you mean by taking different established paths, OK. But one thing never to do is to make your own side paths around tough parts of an established trail. Especially in muddy conditions. That's a good way to get yourself banned from a trail.
#7
Erect member since 1953
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Antioch, CA (SF Bay Area)
Posts: 7,000
Bikes: Trek 520 Grando, Roubaix Expert, Motobecane Ti Century Elite turned commuter, Some old French thing gone fixie
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 121 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 38 Times
in
21 Posts
Interesting.
Usually on my local ride with wind, hills and stoplights I average 13 plus a hair.
On my first century last weekend, riding with almost no wind, hills or stoplights (and not drafting at all) I averaged slightly over 15. I was surprised to see my computer reading 18 so much.
So I'm not sure where I fit on your scale. You tell me.
Usually on my local ride with wind, hills and stoplights I average 13 plus a hair.
On my first century last weekend, riding with almost no wind, hills or stoplights (and not drafting at all) I averaged slightly over 15. I was surprised to see my computer reading 18 so much.
So I'm not sure where I fit on your scale. You tell me.
#8
OnTheRoad or AtTheBeach
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Weston, FL
Posts: 2,170
Bikes: Ridley Noah RS, Scott CR1 Pro
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I average about 20mph but I do it all on flat roads.
__________________
The problem with the gene pool is that there is no lifeguard and the shallow end is much too large
2013 Noah RS
The problem with the gene pool is that there is no lifeguard and the shallow end is much too large
2013 Noah RS
#9
Pedal pusher...
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 7,766
Bikes: I've got a bunch...
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5 Post(s)
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Oh, these are road rides..
__________________
May you live long, live strong, and live happy!
May you live long, live strong, and live happy!
Last edited by alicestrong; 08-19-07 at 11:04 AM.
#10
Time for a change.
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: 6 miles inland from the coast of Sussex, in the South East of England
Posts: 19,913
Bikes: Dale MT2000. Bianchi FS920 Kona Explosif. Giant TCR C. Boreas Ignis. Pinarello Fp Uno.
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times
in
4 Posts
I walk plenty on my MTB, never on the road.
If by changing routes you mean by taking different established paths, OK. But one thing never to do is to make your own side paths around tough parts of an established trail. Especially in muddy conditions. That's a good way to get yourself banned from a trail.
If by changing routes you mean by taking different established paths, OK. But one thing never to do is to make your own side paths around tough parts of an established trail. Especially in muddy conditions. That's a good way to get yourself banned from a trail.
Funny thing is- If you Look at the Muddy puddles on the trails- Horses Go through the Mud- Cycles go through the Mud- The path is made wider by the Hundreds of walkers that do not want to get their boots muddy.
In fact the walkers have so much pull with the authorities over here- that a lot of the more used Paths- Like the South Downs Way will soon be covered over with gravel and rolled flat- Just so they don't slip in the muddy puddles.
__________________
How long was I in the army? Five foot seven.
Spike Milligan
How long was I in the army? Five foot seven.
Spike Milligan
#11
el padre
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: South East Kansas
Posts: 1,490
Bikes: Rans Stratus, ICE TRike, other assorted
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I do the intermediate...that would be the 13+...but I don't push myself a whole lot either, However, I do get exercize...
peace
peace
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Encinitas CA
Posts: 865
Bikes: Scott CR1 Team
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 20 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
My ride a couple of days ago was 34 miles at 15.6 mph. I'm surprised that that puts me in the "advanced" level. I feel much more like the lower end of "intermediate". I'm going to do my first century tomorrow (I hope!), and I'll be happy if I average 10 to 12 mph on that!
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,023
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
I'm easily advanced, but considering how many others blow by me....we might want to change our numbers or create some new levels: hyper-advanced, ultra-super, god-like, etc.
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Western Burbs of Chicago
Posts: 945
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
On my Dahon, I ride as an advance and on the Trek, an intermediate. I have not found out the difference but I know the Dahon is faster despite having 7 speed. Trek is heavier and tires are fit for road and trials.
#15
Surly Girly
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: SoCal
Posts: 4,116
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
On downhills, I'm super advanced. Otherwise, I'm an energetic beginner (according to that list).
__________________
Specialized Roubaix Expert
Surly Long Haul Trucker
Specialized Roubaix Expert
Surly Long Haul Trucker
#16
Senior Member
I did 90 miles today and averaged 19.2 mph. But those are pretty flat miles, probably only around a thousand feet of climbing. Hills make a huge difference for me.
#17
Ride Daddy Ride
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Villa Incognito
Posts: 2,648
Bikes: 1983 Trek 720; 1983 Trek 620; 1989 Gi Cannondale Bad Boy Ultra; LeMond Victoire; Bike Friday Pocket Rocket Pro
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
I climbed a 15% grade today to the top of the Blue Ridge Parkway. I know it was slow. Thankfully my computer wasn't working. It may have been faster than walking. I've been a beginner for about 30 years now.
To paraphrase Thomas Jefferson, "I'm an old man but a young cyclist." (He was speaking about gardening).
To paraphrase Thomas Jefferson, "I'm an old man but a young cyclist." (He was speaking about gardening).
__________________
"Light it up, Popo." --Levi Leipheimer
"Light it up, Popo." --Levi Leipheimer
#18
Violin guitar mandolin
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Friendsville, TN, USA
Posts: 1,171
Bikes: Wilier Thor, Fuji Professional, LeMond Wayzata
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I would think that terrain plays into things a great deal. As does whether one cycles alone or not. I'd have thought going with my wife would be faster. We're both well into advanced on solo rides over our rather broken up terrain, lots of short steep hills etc. Together we're down to about 15 mph - I think we talk and loaf along too much together! On the flat with no wind we're up at about 20 most of the time. The hills seem to break things up much more. I end up more tired for a given distance.
Oddly enough, the mountains seem to not have as much impact. I can get into a nice climbing groove. The drops aren't so technical and my speed is up. The rapidly rolling curvy country roads seem the slowest. Rough surfaces, blind corners, etc.
Anyone have data or thoughts on the terrain effect?
She's not 50 plus though, only 43.
Oddly enough, the mountains seem to not have as much impact. I can get into a nice climbing groove. The drops aren't so technical and my speed is up. The rapidly rolling curvy country roads seem the slowest. Rough surfaces, blind corners, etc.
Anyone have data or thoughts on the terrain effect?
She's not 50 plus though, only 43.
#19
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Posts: 16,869
Bikes: 1980 Masi, 1984 Mondonico, 1984 Trek 610, 1980 Woodrup Giro, 2005 Mondonico Futura Leggera ELOS, 1967 PX10E, 1971 Peugeot UO-8
Mentioned: 49 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1854 Post(s)
Liked 661 Times
in
504 Posts
Last year I was a definite intermediate. This year I have moments of advanced and super advanced (can we call this "hammer monkey" or something more to teh point?), tho my average is still in teh intermediate range.
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Posts: 16,869
Bikes: 1980 Masi, 1984 Mondonico, 1984 Trek 610, 1980 Woodrup Giro, 2005 Mondonico Futura Leggera ELOS, 1967 PX10E, 1971 Peugeot UO-8
Mentioned: 49 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1854 Post(s)
Liked 661 Times
in
504 Posts
#21
just keep riding
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Milledgeville, Georgia
Posts: 13,560
Bikes: 2018 Black Mountain Cycles MCD,2017 Advocate Cycles Seldom Seen Drop Bar, 2017 Niner Jet 9 Alloy, 2015 Zukas custom road, 2003 KHS Milano Tandem, 1986 Nishiki Cadence rigid MTB, 1980ish Fuji S-12S
Mentioned: 15 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 173 Post(s)
Liked 33 Times
in
22 Posts
As for the (almost) poll, advanced. 15-18 is about where I usually ride on the road.
#22
Senior Member
Let me quick go see the speedo,,back in a short,,,,,18 on the road bike and 22 on the dirt, so it says,,that was a short ride.
#23
Senior Member
Nope, that's me. The scale looks good to me, regardless of the bike being used. After all, most bents don't have a huge aero advantage, regardless of what they'd like to think. Mine does; it's about equal to having a 3-man paceline, which is pretty common for riders in the 20 mph range anyway.
#25
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Arizona
Posts: 1,960
Bikes: Trek Domane 4.5, Trek 1500
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 20 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
I am in the advanced group. I let my Cateye run continuously (as opposed to only when the wheel is turning). For a 41-mile out and back, with 1700 ft of climbing to the turnaround, I will average 16-17 mph. I can average a little higher for shorter rides. For Tour de Tuscon last year (109 miles, hilly) I averaged slightly over 16 mph.
I will be 55 Friday, btw.
I will be 55 Friday, btw.