Hermes is 100% correct in his assesment of proritizing stages for developing faster average speed. I would add to this the importance of comradery in riding with a group. Yes, conforming into looking like a cyclist is important and improving ones eating habits along with pushing harder on rides is absolutely vital to improving ones speed.

I think it is just as important to remember to keep it fun and safe. You need to find a group that has a "no rider left behind policy" so that at least one member stays back with you until your avg mph speed improves. This could take weeks, months , or years depending on how well you adapt to the factors Hermes mentioned above...

I only shave my legs when I feel I have the game to back it up. lol This year, I'm not there yet,.

OTB is better with hairy legs?

Stop making sense.

It may not be true for every rider but I've found even quite imprecise interval training to be extremely useful in building speed. I just go full power high cadence until my body and spirit both vote ease it off and then repeat. A side benefit is that I tend to see hills as opportunity rather than barrier.

Thanks everyone for all the positive feedback and advice. I have been on Weight Watchers for 1 1/2 yrs and have dropped 50# and want to lose another 20#(I had a little set back Dec 2010 when I broke my ankle in 3 places, so after surgery of plates/screws). I joined a local cycling club and see that there are some slower rides planned. Since I ride by myself(I can't seem to find any riding partners - none of my co-workers ride). I guess I want to make sure I'm heading in the right direction with training to get faster and become fitter. I appreciate all of your input.

Surgtech, you're tough and obviously determined. I hope you will drop in frequently with word on how it's going.

I've had the mildly brilliant idea that if can't find riding partners, the you could start a Newby Bike Club (NBC) and post notices at local bike shops. Ask the staff to point out the notice to other people who are buying bikes bike there and are likely to be interested in meeting other new cyclists.

Lots of bad information exists about exercise and weight loss. Exercise won't magically make weight go away. It's just part of a life style change. It takes burning 35,000 calories to get rid of one pound of body fat. That's about 7 hours of cycling a week or running 25-30 miles. If you do that every day/week, you lose 50 pounds over a year. Combine the exercise with a healthy diet and you can lose much more.

I alternate between years trying to ride as fast as I can and years trying to ride as far as I can. On the years I try to go fast, I end up gaining weight as the year progresses as I crave carbohydrates on the years I have tried for distance I lose weight as I am exercising for longer periods. Hope that helps.

3,500. it's hard enough without your inflating it by a factor of ten.