Bike Tour Speed
Question
I was planning on participating in the NY city Bike Tour next year. I've been training all summer. Im curious what a normal speed is in a tour like that? How fast should i be going to stay with the group? I dont need to win but i would like to at least be at par level. I've been traveling like 15mph. Is that considered slow, fast, normal? I'd like to adjust my training accordingly. Thanks a lot!!
Answer
Jeph,
The speed of a tour depends very much on the people and the course. If it is crowded or hilly, your speed will be lower. As I look at the website, it looks like you can go at a reasonable pace for the Tour. Normal speed, then, is something like 15 or 16 mph. Thus, you are right in there if you want to ride at a "normal" pace.
The more regular, serious riders will be looking for 18-20 mph, which can be achieved fairly easily if you ride in a large group on a road bike. If you haven't yet, think about riding with a club or team, because not only will they push your fitness a bit more, but you will learn to ride in a pack, which takes some practice. The upside of the time spent learning pack riding, though, is an average pace of about 2-3 mph faster than you would go alone.
Good luck! If you ever get the chance, do the El Tour de Tucson in Arizona. It is my favorite century and a wonderful way to spend a November day.
Graeme
What to buy
Bike transportation