Internet Speed Inflation??

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06-11-12, 08:48 PM

#101

RobertL

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Quote:

Originally Posted by rubic

Okay, I challenge anybody out there to a 'virtual' race. I'll spot you 4 mph and still beat you by 1.

The first liar doesn't stand a chance!

06-11-12, 09:19 PM

#102

Terex

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Surlyrider

... often, 20 mile round trip and I ride about 12 miles daily for fitness. (I don't think I've ever ridden that short a distance).

Overall usually get in a couple thousand miles per year now. Many people I ride with do that much in a month over the summer.

You are a recreational cyclist. Many other people ride a bit more. Quite a bit more.

About 3 years ago (I'm over 60 now), I was pulling a group of friends through a metric century. One of my friends (a woman), yelled at me, "Terex, if you don't average at least 22 mph, we'll never get back". We got back, but it was a relatively flat ride. But I've also averaged close to 20 mph for 50 miles with about 4,000 ft. ascent.

Again, I think about you saying "I ride about 12 miles daily". You really (and apparently a lot of other posters) have no idea how much effort some people put into the sport.

06-12-12, 06:30 AM

#103

Bikey Mikey

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Quote:

Originally Posted by MinnMan

I haven't read all the replies, so apologies if I'm repeating what's already been said.

My point, an obvious one, is that there's a huge difference between "average speed" as in, the true average moving speed for the ride, and "average speed" as in, "for most of the ride I was going that fast". For many rides (back when I could ride - a different story), I would spend most of my ride doing 20-21 for an average speed of 17. That;s pretty normal on an urban/suburban ride with even a modest amount of stops and turns.

You're talking about the mode average(the number that is repeated most in a group of numbers) as opposed to the mean(purely an average(miles/time)).

06-12-12, 05:36 PM

#104

cyclinfool

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Starting to get a little ripe - time to pull out the BS meter

Yep - thought so.

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06-12-12, 06:06 PM

#105

Dudelsack

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Quote:

Originally Posted by cyclinfool

Starting to get a little ripe - time to pull out the BS meter

Yep - thought so.

I'm rowing out of here as fast as I can. My troll alarm is also pegging out.

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Momento mori, amor fati.

06-12-12, 06:40 PM

#106

ColorChange

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I can ride for long distances at 20 mph overall average (including warm-up cool-down). I have a highly aero bike, but I do it regularly.

group rides

https://connect.garmin.com/activity/187180104
https://connect.garmin.com/activity/188451713
https://connect.garmin.com/activity/186239462

Solo
https://connect.garmin.com/activity/167419727
https://connect.garmin.com/activity/176562861

06-12-12, 08:17 PM

#107

camelopardalis

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Same thing with golf. Almost everybody drives the ball 250 yards or more. They hit this one drive downhill and downwind and they remember that as their average drive. In reality, most people, esp. the 50+ kind, will be hitting it 220 yards or shorter.

06-12-12, 09:13 PM

#108

Hermes

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Quote:

Originally Posted by camelopardalis

I thought about golf when I read this thread. Before restarting cycling, I lived in LA, belonged to Mountaingate CC and golfed a lot. Generally, I averaged 270 off the tee and hit my 5 iron 200 yards. My body mechanics are perfect for golf and I can generate a lot of club head speed. However, golf is a finesse sport and scoring is about the short game and putting versus distance. Although controlled long distance is a competitive advantage. However, we take care of golfers who talk a good game but cannot play very well. It is called the money game. When you invite someone to play for money, the discussion seems to change.

I got into cycling since I decided I could always play golf when I get old. I got into racing bicycles when I decided I could always just ride when I get old.

Last edited by Hermes; 06-12-12 at 09:26 PM.

06-12-12, 09:47 PM

#109

VintageRide

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That does it - I'm packing my saddle bag and heading out on a leisure ride. When the highlight is taking the day to explore local places and looking forward to relaxing by yourself somewhere quiet -just you and your bike - well, it feels great to slow down. Exercise is relative - if you can go fast it's great to be able to but I am reminded of those that hit our age bracket and still try to ride like they are young - it can be life threatening.