First a little background- I started training with my new road bike on a regular basis, about 5 weeks ago. Started out at around 50 miles per week, now am up to around 100-110, and still increasing.

I have a little 15 mile TT that I put myself through from time to time, to gauge my improvement. The past 3 times, I have averaged 15.2, 15.4, 15.9mph. When I would get done, I would be pretty well spent, and wouldnt really feel I could have done it any faster. The last trial was about 2 weeks ago.

Zoom forward to today- I finished the same course with an average of 19.05mph!! As usual, the ride was done when it is hot and humid, and there was little wind. Is this typical of a beginning road biker? Does improvment typically jump like this??

In addition, after the ride today, I felt like I could have 1) gone a little faster, 2) could have kept going at least 5 more miles at the current pace. Of course, as soon as I got off the bike, my legs were exhausted, but just 5 minutes later, they felt fine (unlike previous rides- where my legs would feel somewhat tired the rest of the day).

I guess I am just a bit baffled at this.. the only changes in the last 2 weeks were- 1) getting my bike professionally fitted (which did make an impact in comfort), and 2) I have been doing a lot more hilly rides lately. I can see how these 2 things could make a difference, but I never expected to see such dramatic results.

-BlueDevil