Originally Posted by
alan s
What am I missing at 20 mph that I would otherwise see at 10 mph?
Originally Posted by
KenshiBiker
Just speaking for me, if I'm riding at 20 mph, I'm focused solely on riding; my head is probably down, I'm in much more of an aero position, and I'm constantly scanning the road ahead for potential obstacles, etc. because I want to have as much time as possible to react so a changing situation. I'm definitely not spending a lot of time enjoying the scenery. At 10 mph I have the time to watch deer in the field, see the coyote running through the bushes, watch the hawk soaring overhead, etc. As I said, this is just me; if your level of conditioning and reflexes allow you to watch the scenery and wildlife as you pass by at 20 mph, more power to you.
It also depends on where one is riding. In cookie cutter suburbia it doesn't make much of a difference, but most places I ride other than my commute have a lot to be missed at higher speeds.
Our local MUT is mostly through wetlands with a lot worth seeing that will be missed if going fast. Sometimes I like riding it before sunrise of after sunset, I set my bars all the way up, use a high gear peddling around 30-40 rpm, at 5 or 6 mph. Having a totally silent igh bike allows me to sneak up on all sorts of wildlife.
The first/last two miles of my commute are beautiful, and worth slowing down for when I have the time.