Originally Posted by
jlstrat
I started riding 7 years ago, and I bought a better bike in 2008. I've averaged 5500 miles a year since then. This year I missed getting mileage because of the cold and ice, and I missed 2.5 weeks because I had an upper respiratory infection. I'm finding that my average speed is a little less since I've been back on the back the last month, but overall I can't seem to average more than about 13 MPH. I do 20-25 miles a day, 35 to 50 on Saturdays, with Sunday off. We have lots of hills around here, so my climbing skills are good. but I'd like to get a little faster. Any suggestions?
If you're serious about improving your fitness there are several books available that can provide some guidance e.g. Friel's Training Bible. If you're short on time you could try Carmichael's "The Time-Crunched Cyclist".
You might also consider a powermeter. You can pick up a used one for under 300-400 if you look around a little. It's easier to improve something if you can measure it.