I enjoy riding fast and find it feels better in surrounding traffic that is moving 45mph+. Roads here are basically flat and straight, with traffic lights every .25-1 mile, about a dozen in my 9mi commute. My best auto timer average (doesn't count stop time) is 22.8mph, this required traveling above 28mph between every light. Best flat road time (with wind boost from passing cars) is 34.8mph. But typically I average between 21-22mph, which is cruising at 23-26mph between lights.

I find it very relaxing to put all focus into traffic, hazards, safety and finally effort. That leaves no time to think about the other life stresses.

I find I am less worn out after my 21mph average speed ride now compared to 1.5 years ago when I was out of shape and averaging 15mph on the same route. That 40min ride was much harder than the 25min ride it is now.

Al