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What's considered a good average speed on flat roads

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What's considered a good average speed on flat roads

Old 09-11-15, 12:44 PM
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Originally Posted by BlazingPedals
Here's a totally unhelpful answer. If you can maintain 30 mph for a 50-mile ride, I'd say you're fast. "Fast" starts somewhere south of that, but if you are there, you're definitely fast.

Yep, that's fast.
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Old 09-11-15, 12:51 PM
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I don't mind a little soreness but not to the point of pain that keeps me off the bike the next day. I AM getting faster but it's a slow process for me for a number of reasons. I have a ways to go before I can join even a slow club ride.. I really don't know what my mileage for the season is, I was just guessing since I only got my computer about 2 weeks ago. 133mi. on the computer so that's about 10mi. a day. Some days no riding at all and some days are 20+ miles although I try to ride at LEAST 10mi. a day. I started in the spring riding just 2mi. a day and a 10mi. ride was a big deal. I also just bought a full cross country ski setup so when it gets cold and snowy I can still get outside and have some fun while improving strength and fitness. I'm sure the bike riding will help the leg muscles for cross country skiing which is an added bonus.
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Old 09-11-15, 01:18 PM
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Originally Posted by WNCGoater
Sigh.
Since you quoted me specifically to point out the error of my "advice"...

With the "clues" highlighted in bold in the OP's quotes, and considering age and BP, personally no, I do NOT advise him to do 7-10 minute intervals. My advice, in essence was, if he wants to ride faster then he has to ride faster. Push up the heart rate a bit and push enough to get some soreness in his muscles (which obviously he is trying to avoid).
He isn't training for a race. Just feels he's a bit "slow".
But let it be known, I'm not a trainer, nor do I feel the need to worry myself with interval "training", lactate thresholds, nor impress anyone with my brilliance. You CAN get faster without worrying about all that. Everyone should ride their own ride and realize the enjoyment the sport can afford them by realizing their goals, however lofty, or not, those goals may be.
I'm all in favour of keeping it fun and riding your own ride, but @Drew Eckhradt is giving good advice, and not just for aspiring elite athletes. All the latest evidence suggests that even elderly couch potatos derive significant benefits from brief periods of VERY intense exercise - even just a minute or two at a time, going all-out, seems to have an impact on various metabolic markers.
I'd go so far as to say that extensive exercise at very low intensity, punctuated by brief periods of maximum effort, looks like the recipe for improved health as well as fitness. Just "pushing the heart rate up a bit" is great stuff (the difference between being sedentary and even moderately active is huge) but it won't make you faster unless you are prepared to do it for quite a lot of hours per week.
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Old 09-11-15, 02:19 PM
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Originally Posted by DBrown9383
I have a ways to go before I can join even a slow club ride..
Have you started looking for a group to ride with? If not, there's no way for you to know if you're ready to ride with a group. The group I ride with has "introductory" level rides too, in which you can participate as long as you know how to ride a bike, even if you ride only 4 mph.

And obviously if anybody in the group laughs at your bike like you said earlier, it's the wrong group anyway. I guarantee you the group I ride with will not laugh at your bike. There are several people in the group who are in their 60s or older - no immature people to make fun of you, though you might get a smile or two if you show up for a group ride with pink streamers on your handles or something.

Last edited by GovernorSilver; 09-11-15 at 03:15 PM.
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Old 09-11-15, 03:21 PM
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I'm 50yrs old, 5'10 195lbs.
Rode just over 2000km this year, so far.
I most often ride solo. Mostly flat, with a few rolling hills.

On my 100 mile ride on a fixed gear track bike a couple of weeks ago I averaged 27.74 kph (17.25mph).

On most of my shorter 40km (25 mile) rides I average about 29-30kph (18.5mph) on my track bike.
On my cyclocross bike I average 28kph (17.5mph) on the same 25 mile circuit.

Last edited by KarlRoberts; 09-11-15 at 03:27 PM.
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Old 09-11-15, 03:25 PM
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Depends entirely upon your age, weight, fitness, experience and bike.
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Old 09-11-15, 03:28 PM
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What ever speed is satisfactory for YOU.

I Averaged Under 10 touring Through multiple EU countries over Months ..
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Old 09-11-15, 11:15 PM
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Originally Posted by BlazingPedals
Here's a totally unhelpful answer. If you can maintain 30 mph for a 50-mile ride, I'd say you're fast. "Fast" starts somewhere south of that, but if you are there, you're definitely fast.
Originally Posted by caloso
That's faster than Jacques Anquetil's hour attempt, and for signifcantly longer. So it's not just fast, it's superhuman. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hour_record
It depends on whether it is flat, hilly, solo, a group effort, or motor paced. Also whether it is a standard upright bike with no faring, or a fully enclosed recumbent velomobile.

The fastest TDF stage was 194.5 km at 50.4 kph, or 31.3 MPH. Of course, it wasn't a solo ride.

Armstrong, however, had the fastest overall TDF finish at 41.6 kph, or 25.9 mph.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tour_d...and_statistics

The Badley Wiggins Hour record is at 54.5 kph, or 33.88 mph. Perhaps he would be able to do 50 miles at a slightly slower pace.

The current velomobile hour record is 56.89 miles, or 91.55 km.

Records-Land - World Human Powered Vehicle Association

Anyway, perhaps considering international world records doesn't represent "normal" riding paces.

====================================================

As for me, I'm probably happiest plodding along at 10 to 15 MPH.

On the low end, I occasionally get passed. When I hit 15 to 20 MPH, it is rare that I get passed.

I've been "slow" most of my life. I've finally signed up for Strava, and am working on my goal of being able to maintain 20 MPH (for now, 10 miles, but hopefully to 20 miles RT, no drafting). The course I've chosen is relatively flat, with a gentle hill climb to the halfway point (230 feet in 5 miles, mostly in the last 1.5 miles to the midpoint turnaround of the 11 mile RT). Now up to 19.0 MPH for that 11.5 miles, and it is TOUGH for me. Also hitting some of the leaderbords on short flat STRAVA segments.
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Old 09-12-15, 02:08 AM
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Originally Posted by GovernorSilver
I ride with a local casual cyclists group (non-racers). They organize rides into 4 levels. Copy-and-paste from their Meetup page - it should be obvious that these "rider levels" are not universal and every group/organization is going to have its own standards:

Ride Level Chart:

A note about our ride levels. We try to accommodate all levels of cyclists with different types of rides. We just ask that you come to the ride that suits your current riding ability the best.

Introductory Level : If you haven't ridden a bike in a number of years (or are uncertain of your abilities on a bicycle).

Beginner Level : If you can easily ride your bike for 10 miles (distance) with some minor hills at a comfortable pace (10+ to 12+ mph).

Medium Level : If you can do 20 miles pretty easily at a moderate pace (13 to 15+ mph).

Advanced Level : If you can do 20++ miles easily at a 15+ pace and / or handle various challenges as rain, night riding, or other odd cycling situations.

I wouldn't be riding with that club!! A "definition" like that on a website would turn me right off. So maybe it's a good idea for clubs to post stuff like that ... so that people like me would know right away which clubs to avoid like the plague.
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Old 09-12-15, 02:20 AM
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Originally Posted by Mindcrime
I ride with one of the largest and best cycling clubs in the country. Our regular Saturday rides break down as follows:

No Drop group - Typically 12-14 MPH over either 25 or 40 mile route. If you cant maintain 12 mph, you will be helped back to the park, but probably shouldn't come out to the group ride until you can. (I started here, after riding solo for about 6 months, loosing weight and getting stronger.)

14-16 MPH - 40 miles (rode with this group for about 6 months, till early this year.)

16-18 B - true average, 40-60 miles (I usually ride here... clyde, have weight to loose, but pretty strong at this point.)

16-18 A - Liars club. Anywhere from 18-21, usually 40-60 miles (I sometimes ride here when feeling feisty. Its tough and a bit competitive.)

18-20 - This is where the junior race team rides, fast weekenders (I'm going to try this soon just to see if I can hack it.)

20-22 - Serious amateurs looking to ride with the big boys, race team guys who are in need of a steady state ride

22+ - Mostly race team, quite competitive even though its not a race

Theres your benchmarks.
I wouldn't be riding with that club!! A "definition" like that on a website would turn me right off. So maybe it's a good idea for clubs to post stuff like that ... so that people like me would know right away which clubs to avoid like the plague.
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Old 09-12-15, 02:25 AM
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Originally Posted by Machka
I wouldn't be riding with that club!! A "definition" like that on a website would turn me right off. So maybe it's a good idea for clubs to post stuff like that ... so that people like me would know right away which clubs to avoid like the plague.
Wow, Machka. So emphatic you posted it twice!

Seriously, why? I'd read it as their attempt to be helpful and make sure newbies had the information necessary to ensure they didn't get out of their depth. It may sound a bit anal, but it's better than some of the club runs I've been on in which newcomers are told "oh no, it's just a casual ride" only to find it's a dog-eat-dog hammerfest.
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Old 09-12-15, 02:47 AM
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Originally Posted by chasm54
Wow, Machka. So emphatic you posted it twice!

Seriously, why? I'd read it as their attempt to be helpful and make sure newbies had the information necessary to ensure they didn't get out of their depth. It may sound a bit anal, but it's better than some of the club runs I've been on in which newcomers are told "oh no, it's just a casual ride" only to find it's a dog-eat-dog hammerfest.
The "why" is this ... the assumption is that just because a person is slow, they are also unable to cover distance.

Look at the first list ... you're expected to remain in beginner or intermediate, doing rides under 20 miles (32 km), until you can ride a minimum of 15 mph (25 km/h). Well how disheartening is that? Because I have rarely held a minimum speed of 25 km/h, I'm not worthy to ride anything more than 32 km. R-I-G-H-T.

And then the second list ...

"If you cant maintain 12 mph (20 km/h), you will be helped back to the park, but probably shouldn't come out to the group ride until you can."

So me, a cyclist who has done 1200K randonnees, would be "helped back to the park" with the suggestion that I really shouldn't even be there.


As I said ... I'd avoid both clubs like the plague. So yes, it's good those clubs post that info on their sites. Lets us know which clubs to cross of the list.


I'm a slow cyclist ... and I'm OK with that. But I can cover the distance. As long as I can maintain the randonneuring 15 km/h minimum, that's all I need.
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Old 09-12-15, 02:50 AM
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Originally Posted by Machka
I wouldn't be riding with that club!! A "definition" like that on a website would turn me right off. So maybe it's a good idea for clubs to post stuff like that ... so that people like me would know right away which clubs to avoid like the plague.
What do you find offensive about that?

I rather like the idea of separating out the levels with a simple description. It would certainly help people understand choices of groups, rather than choosing the lowest levels and working one's way up.

The first post you quoted doesn't mention drafting and dropping, it is covered or assumed in the second.

I suppose I find the titles for the whole "Dummies" book series as so offensive that I refuse to look at the books, nor would ever recommend anybody else look at them.
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Old 09-12-15, 02:52 AM
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Originally Posted by CliffordK
What do you find offensive about that?

I rather like the idea of separating out the levels with a simple description. It would certainly help people understand choices of groups, rather than choosing the lowest levels and working one's way up.

The first post you quoted doesn't mention drafting and dropping, it is covered or assumed in the second.

I suppose I find the titles for the whole "Dummies" book series as so offensive that I refuse to look at the books, nor would ever recommend anybody else look at them.
See above.
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Old 09-12-15, 02:59 AM
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Originally Posted by Machka
The "why" is this ... the assumption is that just because a person is slow, they are also unable to cover distance....

I'm a slow cyclist ... and I'm OK with that. But I can cover the distance. As long as I can maintain the randonneuring 15 km/h minimum, that's all I need.
Well, OK. But I don't think it is unreasonable to assume that most of the people riding slowly will be beginners, or compromised through age or whatever, and therefore unlikely to be up for a 50 mile ride. Quite apart from anything else, a 50 mile ride at 15kph is going to take over five hours, and most clubs aren't going to find a group that wants to ride for that long at that pace.

Of course, as a randonneur, distance is your thing. But randonneuring doesn't readily lend itself to club runs, it is almost by definition more of a solitary/small group affair.
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Old 09-12-15, 03:07 AM
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Originally Posted by chasm54
Well, OK. But I don't think it is unreasonable to assume that most of the people riding slowly will be beginners, or compromised through age or whatever, and therefore unlikely to be up for a 50 mile ride. Quite apart from anything else, a 50 mile ride at 15kph is going to take over five hours, and most clubs aren't going to find a group that wants to ride for that long at that pace.

Of course, as a randonneur, distance is your thing. But randonneuring doesn't readily lend itself to club runs, it is almost by definition more of a solitary/small group affair.

I am glad there are clubs who post stuff like that, and yes, I expect there are beginners who can't cover the distance yet.

And for me, it is a huge red flag that the club would not be a fit for me.
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Old 09-12-15, 03:23 AM
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Originally Posted by Machka
"If you cant maintain 12 mph (20 km/h), you will be helped back to the park, but probably shouldn't come out to the group ride until you can."

So me, a cyclist who has done 1200K randonnees, would be "helped back to the park" with the suggestion that I really shouldn't even be there.
So as an "expert cyclist" doing 1200K rides, you should join the Expert Groups, right?

AND EVERYONE SHOULD BE RIDING YOUR PACE?

I am also a slow rider.
But, did manage to squeeze in a 180 mile ride in a day (loaded), at about 11 MPH.

I can do quite a bit better on a shorter ride, especially if I'm motivated to put the hammer down (late for an appointment). I've finally gotten to 19 mph average for 10+ miles, RT, no draft, but that is pushing it.

Anyway, for the first group, I'd probably choose somewhere between the medium and advanced group. Probably the medium as I hate to inconvenience others. The guidelines give me something to expect.

Originally Posted by GovernorSilver
Medium Level : If you can do 20 miles pretty easily at a moderate pace (13 to 15+ mph).

Advanced Level : If you can do 20++ miles easily at a 15+ pace and / or handle various challenges as rain, night riding, or other odd cycling situations.
The second set seems to have stronger, faster groups. Poking around town, I find myself often in the 12-14 MPH range for a 40-60 mile afternoon... so maybe the beginners group.

But, I'd take a group ride as a bit of a challenge... unless I just want to smell the roses.

I'd probably choose the 14-16 MPH group to start out with, and see how it went. If I got dropped, I can find my way back home by myself, tail between the legs. The 16/18B group would also be worth considering.

Anyway, perhaps they could be more PC with the language but I find it to be clear and concise.

Originally Posted by Mindcrime
No Drop group - Typically 12-14 MPH over either 25 or 40 mile route. If you cant maintain 12 mph, you will be helped back to the park, but probably shouldn't come out to the group ride until you can. (I started here, after riding solo for about 6 months, loosing weight and getting stronger.)

14-16 MPH - 40 miles (rode with this group for about 6 months, till early this year.)

16-18 B - true average, 40-60 miles (I usually ride here... clyde, have weight to loose, but pretty strong at this point.)

16-18 A - Liars club. Anywhere from 18-21, usually 40-60 miles (I sometimes ride here when feeling feisty. Its tough and a bit competitive.)

18-20 - This is where the junior race team rides, fast weekenders (I'm going to try this soon just to see if I can hack it.)

20-22 - Serious amateurs looking to ride with the big boys, race team guys who are in need of a steady state ride

22+ - Mostly race team, quite competitive even though its not a race

Theres your benchmarks.
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Old 09-12-15, 03:33 AM
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Originally Posted by CliffordK
So as an "expert cyclist" doing 1200K rides, you should join the Expert Groups, right?

AND EVERYONE SHOULD BE RIDING YOUR PACE?
No, I didn't say that. As I did say, lists like those immediately alert me to the fact that I would never, ever want to ride with those clubs ... avoid them like the plague ... cross them off my list.


Instead, I would choose a randonneuring/audax or touring club. Much more suited to my style. Those are clubs where you can ride long distances at a reasonably slow pace and still be welcome.
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Old 09-12-15, 04:35 AM
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It could be as simple as the distances given for the groups listed, are the distances each group rides.
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Old 09-12-15, 05:26 AM
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Originally Posted by Machka
I wouldn't be riding with that club!! A "definition" like that on a website would turn me right off. So maybe it's a good idea for clubs to post stuff like that ... so that people like me would know right away which clubs to avoid like the plague.
Of course it's a good idea to post ride guidelines. There are many different riding styles and capabilities and it's good for clubs to be transparent about the types of rides they offer.

Regardless, of what's posted it's often not a bad idea to go out on a ride as you're likely to meet at least a few others who have similar interests. Guidelines are very general and don't necessarily cover all riding styles. We have a small group of riders that have met regularly at the same time on Sat morning for many years. There's no formal organization other than start time. Routes are usually decided based on someone's suggestion in the morning and the group usually breaks up depending on how far and fast people want to ride. There's a much higher % of males in the group so the pace is faster than you might expect for a more balanced group. The women that ride are either faster than avg or ride together at a slower pace. The larger the group the more likely you are to find compatible riding partners.
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Old 09-12-15, 11:27 AM
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Originally Posted by Machka
I wouldn't be riding with that club!! A "definition" like that on a website would turn me right off. So maybe it's a good idea for clubs to post stuff like that ... so that people like me would know right away which clubs to avoid like the plague.
You quoted my post there, so in the interest of context, here is an upcoming ride by the casual cyclist group mentioned in the quoted post, which includes the same "ride level chart" that you seemed be turned off by. This one is an "all-levels" ride. See if you can find anything offensive in there. Be sure to read the entire description, and not just jump down to the ride level "chart".

https://www.meetup.com/novacbg/events/225097704/
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Old 09-12-15, 11:39 AM
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Originally Posted by gregf83
Of course it's a good idea to post ride guidelines. There are many different riding styles and capabilities and it's good for clubs to be transparent about the types of rides they offer.

Regardless, of what's posted it's often not a bad idea to go out on a ride as you're likely to meet at least a few others who have similar interests. Guidelines are very general and don't necessarily cover all riding styles. We have a small group of riders that have met regularly at the same time on Sat morning for many years. There's no formal organization other than start time. Routes are usually decided based on someone's suggestion in the morning and the group usually breaks up depending on how far and fast people want to ride. There's a much higher % of males in the group so the pace is faster than you might expect for a more balanced group. The women that ride are either faster than avg or ride together at a slower pace. The larger the group the more likely you are to find compatible riding partners.
Agreed and your group sounds similar in spirit to the one I've been riding with.
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Old 09-12-15, 11:42 AM
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Originally Posted by GovernorSilver
See if you can find anything offensive in there. Be sure to read the entire description, and not just jump down to the ride level "chart".

https://www.meetup.com/novacbg/events/225097704/
You mean the part about the information being unavailable?


This group's content is available only to members

You can still join the group, or contact the Organizer(s) to learn more
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Old 09-12-15, 11:55 AM
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Originally Posted by CliffordK
You mean the part about the information being unavailable?
My bad. Some select text from the Meetup event:

Let's go ride the Newly Re-Opened Indian Head Rail Trail !!!

----------------------------
Arrive @ 10:00am
Pre-Ride @ 10:15am
Rolling @ 10:30am
----------------------------

You can ride any mileage you want.
You can ride as fast or as slow as you want
(27 miles max mileage)


The Ride:

This ride is open to ANYONE regardless of riding ability.

The Indian Head Rail Trail is a straight, no turning, tree lined, flat, and pretty trail. You cannot get lost so you can go as fast or as slow as you like. You cannot get lost so you can make the ride any distance you want ....just remember that the distance you travel out is the same distance you have to travel back when you turn around

Do you want to try out riding with clips? Do you want to try out a new bike? Do you want a nice recovery ride? Do you want to bring a friend with you to go on a nice casual bike ride? This is the ride for you (even non-member guests are welcome just add a +1 to your RSVP).

See trail picture below, plenty of "Portable Toilets" but not much to refill our water bottles on the trail. Bring a good supply of liquid with you.


Text is followed by location of post-ride restaurant and stuff.

Last edited by GovernorSilver; 09-12-15 at 12:12 PM.
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Old 09-12-15, 07:21 PM
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Don't fixate on speed.....Learn to spin at a comfortable speed and work your gearing into your spin, then work on stamina until you get to the point were you can ride as long as you want. Who could ask for more?
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