He said there was definately a wind. I take that to mean a significant wind. I've been places where i had to fight to keep 13 MPH against a wind. I remember one 8-10% downhill where I was working to keep 17mph, more or less an easy cruising speed on the flat in calm conditions. And real working, as in a race against the incomming thunderstorm.

I've been out in hte desert North of Los Angeles where and out and back ride can be fighting to stay in double digits (MPH) going out and running out of gears coming back.

I think it is also worth pointing out that road conditions matter. I have hit 35 MPH on the flat with no wind, but it was very nice new pavement. At lower speeds that can easily be worth 2 MPH.