twahl

My normal route, the one I ride alone and occasionally with the family, is about 32 miles, with about 1400 feet of climbing. My computer shows 11% max grade. Tonight the computer said 32.2/1382. With the family (including wife on a bent and 10 year old daughter) we average about 13.1-13.3 MPH, with just my son (13) about 14.1-14.3, and alone a little over 15 to very close to 16.

I haven't quite been able to make it at 16 MPH average. Last night I was 25 seconds from making it, but tonight, 32.2 miles, 1:58:54 for an average of 16.018.

I know, it's not big, but it's the first time I've made that average speed, so I'm pleased with it. My August mileage goal is 750, and most of it will come on this route. On a side note, I started July at 203 lbs. and started August at 195, so I'm doing something right.

blandin

Tom, Congratulations on the fine effort. More importantly, you're doing this with the whole family, teaching your children the importance of a healthy lifestyle while having a whole lot of fun.

twahl

Thanks, and absolutely! My son raced his first crit last month, and finished, and puked. I was very proud. My daughter wants to start next year, so her Sirrus will get upgraded to a road bike in the spring. We all did a metric together in June, and are aiming for a full century this fall. They ride that route with me sometimes, but our normal "family" route is about 15 miles and flatter. It's all good, cycling has been the most successful family activity to date.