riding with a group?

5mph sounds like a bit of a stretch, 2-3mph is more what I've seen. Depends on the size of the group too, since you're resting 3/4 of the time in a group of 4, but resting 9/10 of the time in a group of 10.

Terrain also factors in a lot. On the flats, weaker riders can hang on pretty easily at 5mph above their normal pace, but at that speed they'll get thrown off the back as soon as the group approaches the slightest hill.

wnowak06 said:

how much faster does riding with a group make you? I hear people say that they can average, say, 20 mph on a certain ride when they do it solo, but then they can average 25 mph with a group

I assume you're asking if the average speed is higher in a group, or are you asking if riding with a group will improve your solo average speed by 5mph?

Some groups are super-fast, especially those at race pace. I was once in a criterium, which had a couple of slowish corners, that averaged 28mph for about 1 hour & 10 mins!! Even with a super-strong tail wind I doubt I could sustain that speed for that long onmy own.

However, if you're wondering if training with a fast, competitive group improves your speed, then I say it may well. I have a few backyard theories on training with adrenaline: riding with the added motivation of competition can make your legs do things they would never do when you ride alone. If you are busting your balls to chase someone that you REALLY wanna beat, adrenalin (or some other hormones, or whatever) can make you do amazing things. I suspect that pushing yourself like this, beyond your normal training limits may provide a superior training effect.

Fat Hack said:

I assume you're asking if the average speed is higher in a group, or are you asking if riding with a group will improve your solo average speed by 5mph?

Some groups are super-fast, especially those at race pace. I was once in a criterium, which had a couple of slowish corners, that averaged 28mph for about 1 hour & 10 mins!! Even with a super-strong tail wind I doubt I could sustain that speed for that long onmy own.

However, if you're wondering if training with a fast, competitive group improves your speed, then I say it may well. I have a few backyard theories on training with adrenaline: riding with the added motivation of competition can make your legs do things they would never do when you ride alone. If you are busting your balls to chase someone that you REALLY wanna beat, adrenalin (or some other hormones, or whatever) can make you do amazing things. I suspect that pushing yourself like this, beyond your normal training limits may provide a superior training effect.

I ride solo most of the time just because it's easier than trying to coordinate with others. When I do ride with groups I've seen that extra five miles per. It never seems to translate into tha much when I race or train hard but it does wonders for my confidence and my attitude. I never held thirty-five mph any other way and it's really thrilling.
The comments about hormones were really on the mark. Great point. A bit of excitment before a race or a rivalry can charge your body to do things that surprise everyone. I suspect that for short periods during peak it may have a positive effect.