This thread points out a really interesting, but at the same time disappointing, reality. The original poster went at a pleasant 17mph pace with lots of wind . . .well, I'm 63, in good shape, ride a lot (5,000+ miles/yr) . . . and would love to ride leisurely at 17mph. My riding buddies (all of us are in our 60's - I'm the youngest) are all in relatively good shape for our age - and I guess that's my disappointment. I'll never get appreciably faster, and it will be an ongoing struggle to stay in the riding shape I currently have. It's a bummer. The caveat "at my age" really says a lot. None of it good.