Calculating average speed

1964johnr

I ride on my own and have been doing this for the last 12 years. I am thinking of trying a local club so that I can ride in a group and have been looking at average speeds for different group rides. I rode today for 2 hours and did an average of 14 mph. However, along the way I calculated that I was stationary at lights, level crossing etc for approximately 10 minutes. Do I take this in to consideration, in which case I would have an average speed of 16mph ? I realise that average speeds will vary depending on climbs, wind, etc. My ride today took in a few very short climbs between 4 and 10% , other than that it was on the flat.

bondurant

Fair to say that most if not all advertised rides will be moving time average

Brakeless

If you're unsure of which group to choose go to a club with several speed groups and start with the slowest. If it's too slow you'll know to move up the following week. Feedback from people on the first ride should also tell you which group to aim for.

imposter2.0

There's only one way to find out...

slowbike

If the club don't do different speed groups or you think they may be too fast then as you're pretty used to riding solo - I'd just be prepared to do that. It's how I approached going in the fastest group - I'll sit in as long as I can and when I get dropped I'll carry on solo (albeit a bit slower) - it's not like I don't know the roads and the fastest group would give me a bit of a push ...

I've not got dropped yet (although they do regroup at the top of the climbs - bit of a bonus!)
You'll go faster in a group anyway - well, you will if they're any good and ride as a group, rather than just a bunch of individuals going the same way and sprinting for every signpost ... If it's your first group ride - remember to look up the road so you can see what's coming - don't panic on the hand signals - just let the others know you're new to it and they'll not expect you to signal to start with.

Matthewfalle

don't worry about it - all these clubs will say they a gazillion miles an hour (especially the race team in the fast group)but when they actually do 16-18 mph it'll be because of wind/traffic/etc.

just go and enjoy yourself. well as much as you can in a club, but at least you'll be out for a ride.

InconveniencedBadger

I'd say that most clubs would state that the average speed for their rides is the average moving speed - so when calculating average speed time spent stationary at traffic lights/junctions would be taken into account. Well, at least this is the case for my club and for everyone else who I've ever ridden with!

Also bear in mind that you'll likely ride faster in a group than you would when riding solo - this may feel slightly surprising on a first ride with a club (in a good way though). However, if I were you I'd stick with a group that you're sure you'll be able to keep up with on your first club ride and then move to a faster group on the next ride if that ride was too slow.

cougie

+1 on the riding with a group is loads quicker.
Plus any decent club route should be avoiding lights and junctions as much as possible to keep up the speed.

N0bodyOfTheGoat

Do you know about and use Strava or a compatible app?

Pretty sure the average speed given on Strava is moving speed.

Do clubs also talk of average power for different groups?

cycleclinic

Club rides and average speeds is a minefield. There are articles from the ,1890's with riders complaining club to design are too fast or slow. Its never been right, it never will be. Pick a groups you fell with. It really about speed.