Advice from a pro to a beginner?

CyclingObsession
CyclingObsession Posts: 314
edited May 2012 in Pro race
I need some advice I have been cycling exactly a year, I started cycling to lose weight having no fitness levels at all, for a 35mile ride of maximum grade 5.5% hill on the end of my commute is an average speed of 17.4mph good? I have done a century 101 miles average speed 18.3MPH, Im trying to see how I stack against the pros. I am a solo rider not a member of a club.