Originally Posted by
Lot's Knife
Mostly b.)
But I also think perceptions change this time of year. It's dark more frequently, so you're getting less visual input from the periphery. It's harder to see trees, bushes and telephone poles whooshing by because it's dark out. You develop a sort of tunnel vision and pedal harder because you think you're going slower (even though you're not), and that tires you out.
There is truth in that statement, founded in physiology. The same place in the brain that processes information on speed also handles contrast perception? When you decrease visual contrast input, such as in low light or severe fog situations, your perception of speed is altered making you think you are going slower. Such is the explanatin for why you see those hundred car pile ups in the fog on the west coast. The drivers unconciously speed up into the fog if they aren't paying attention to the instruments. Of course, even if they think they are only going 40 mph when they are doing 70, 40 is still too fast for conditions...........
But I think that the slowness talked about here is real, actual, measured decreases in speed using your bike computer. Effort levels are percieved, but I bet someone with a heart rate monitor could back up the slower speed per given heart rate/exertion.