Originally Posted by Doug64

Speed has nothing to do with being a "avid" cyclist. On a ride across the US, my wife averaged 50 miles a day for 74 consecutive days on a fully loaded touring bike, averaging 12 mph. She finished a 2900 mile ride across 8 European countries last summer at about the same pace. However, according to your standards, she would not be an avid, experienced, enthusiastic, or accomplished cyclist if she can't ride at your pace.

How fast a person can ride seems like poor criteria for being judgemental about their motivation or enthusiasm for cycling. Go out to a golf course sometime and see if the only "avid" golfers are those who play well.