pgjackson

Brand new rider, just got a Fuji Newest 3.0...and of course the day I bought it it rained for almost two weeks straight. Did a couple of quick runs in the neighborhood when the rain stopped but nothing significant. Anyway, today the weather was perfect (San Diego) so I hit the road. My butt is still on fire, but I had a great time. Here's my stats:

Distance: 14 miles
Time: 50 minutes
Ave Speed: 16mph
Low speed: 8mph (up a hill at the halfway point)
High speed: 33mph (down same hill)

Other than the 1/2 mile hill at the turnaround point it was a very flat run. What would be considered a fairly decent pace/speed if I want to eventually ride with more experienced riders and maybe do a couple of races? Not looking to win, just don't want to come in last. I'm an active duty Marine who runs about a 7 1/2 minute mile pace. I'm in decent, not spectacular shape, but I'm no slug either.

defygiants

very nice! i'm a n00b like you and you will be amazed at the quick improvement if you keep riding hard.

jespy06

awesome pg! keep it up and I'm sure those numbers are going to improve. I my self have just recently started biking, my focus was to find something to get into better shape and also to motivate me to quit smoking. I've had my bike for 2 weeks now and have also been smoke free for two weeks. My lungs are slowly getting better but I find myself winded within the first half hour of riding. But i'm feeling better than ever and am never looking back!

calamarichris

So you're the one!
You're new here so no one's told you yet; you're supposed to warn everyone in the SoCal Forum before you buy a new bike and make it rain like this. Thanks for not buying it just before a 4-day weekend at least.
Good luck with the new bike and stay safe!
-Chris in Carlsbad, (about 30 minutes North of you, just off PCH)

pgjackson

Talk about frustrating! It never rains here...and as soon as I get a bike it rains for two weeks. Supposed to rain again this weekend, WTH!

By the way, I work at Camp Pendleton. Know of any riding groups in the area?

calamarichris

Click here for the SoCal Route Repository.

In particular, I love riding from Carlsbad, through Pendleton on Stuart Mesa to Laguna Beach, or sometimes just San Clemente. Such a great ride, with so few annoying stoplights! You can usually grab hold of a paceline passing through there--it's very popular.

For groups, these guys & gals are very congenial: North County Cycle Club (clicky)

Phil85207

Welcome to the forum. You are doing just fine, just keep putting on the miles. The more miles the better. Keep asking questions and learning the technics that goes with cycling. Did you get cycling shorts? How about cycling shoes? You may as well go for the gusto all at once as a piece at a time. Good luck and safe ridding.

Cavemann

Don't worry about asking "average speed" since it varies greatly from person to person and ride to ride. Just establish a baseline, and then you'll have something to compare your own personal growth. I just started riding this summer, when i started, I could sustain a 15-16mph average on flat, today I was sustaining 20mph on the flat.

With cycling, you'll discover it's easy to make big jumps. If you're doing 15miles now, before you know it, you'll be doing 25, then 50, then 100(km) then 100 (miles).

thesmoothdome

I'm glad PG is the reason for the rain. I know it can't be me. My new ride seems to be lost in BMC's distribution center....sigh.

That's a great start PG. You're starting out a lot stronger than I did. Of course, I was never as fit as a Marine. Thanks for keeping us safe! If you ever have the time to ride down in SD proper hit me up. Our weekend group rides are on the small side 6-15 people and average around 50 miles at 17 mph on average. If we're not climbing, we're not happy, but we love the descents too.