I have a ancient Cat's Eye computer that came with a bike, but it's not mounted. When I got back into road bikes after decades of absence, I decided that the sense of inferiority that I allowed to kill my first love was not going to interfere again. I have calculated some speeds using time/distance, but I forget what they were.

My objective is to get as many daily sessions in during a weekly period as I can — weather and schedule allowing. My usual runs vary — 60-70 minutes. For me, I reckon that five rides a week is better than one big ride on the weekend. Unless there is snow or a lot of ice, the winter does not deter me. I don't ride in pouring rain. I've done my share of being cold and miserable, and I need very good vision for part of my rides.

The first leg of all my sessions is in traffic — trains, crosswalks, lights etc. It's a chance to warm up. But when I get on the river-floodplain there no hindrances. I ride as bloody fast as I can. It often hurts, but the rewards come on the final stretch home when I am limbered up and in my stride. Somedays I am faster than others. I don't how fast. One of the reasons I ride vintage is because I love the ride, and the effort and discomfort is compensated.

I am not recommending anything; this routine is an individual's riding/training mode. Millions of riders are faster — much faster. But, I often ride relatively short distances at my personal limit. It makes me feel good and the effort shows up when the doc examines me.

I have been months off due to back problems and chronic sinusitis. It may be a couple of more weeks before I can ride again in the steam-bath that envelopes Japan this time of year. I know I will be merely creeping about for some weeks until I work up yet once again.

So, an average speed is less important to me than how I feel on the bike and my general condition. And I gotta get those endorphins flowing