Is there hope??

memphiscyclist said:

I have been cycling for about 3 years (my first year was not at all serious so it can be discounted). This is my first season of category racing. Last year I did about 2 races, none of which were USCF. I have done about 14 this year and am a cat 4. I have noticed, to my dismay, that I am EXTREMELY slow relative to most others. During a 25 mile State TT this weekend, I only managed to average 21.4 mph (slightly rolling course). There were about 40 senior men and I ended up 4th from last. Most of the senior men were averaging at least 24 mph, and I was even beaten by a couple of guys in their 60s! What's even more frustrating is that some of these guys have the genetics that allow them to basically just step on a pedal and fly. It's really starting to get depressing. My question is, on average, how long can I expect it to take me to climb to a 24-25 mph average? Years? Currently, I train almost every day and do about 150-200 mile/week, or 10-12 hours per week, using the cyclist's training bible program, which I started a month ago. How long did it take some of you guys to increase your TT to this pace? Thanks.

unless you are a pro, cycling should be fun! I think you are so focused on performance you might 'burn out' and give up cycling. you need to relax, enjoy your training and whatever result you get in the TT, so be it.

Like the previous poster said, riding/racing should be fun. Unless you are getting paid $$$ to ride, don't worry about where you place - not right now.

I feel your pain though - being a big rider (6'4, 225#), and living in areas where there are mostly mountains and hills, I would usually be bringing up the rear.

Don't get frusterated - just keep on riding and having fun.