How, indeed, do pro cyclists get so fast? An easy answer is that they start young. They have what it takes to make a professional cyclist: the genetics that allow them to develop the muscle and cardiovascular system needed; the mindset; the opportunities to race and train; access to good equipment.

Most of us will never reach pro levels, but we can still work to go faster. I must be lazy, because after six or seven years I still have not gotten my cruising pace up to 15 mph.

I think I shy away from the inevitable discomfort of the work required to get faster! Maybe I don\’t do enough of my on-bike force-development exercises. In addition, I ride in the morning before going to work, and don\’t want to wear myself out too much. During my long weekend ride, I don\’t want to burn out miles from home.

For very short stretches I can get up as fast as 25.5 mph (that\’s with a stiff tailwind!). Rolling along at 15 mph for hours is still a ways off.

Here\’s the thing about speed, though: it can easily be affected by factors beyond the rider\’s control.  How, indeed, can we know whether we\’re improving as cyclists? That\’s why some coaches recommend training with a power meter. X watts is X watts, regardless of your forward speed (or lack thereof).

Dental bills and other unexpected expenses have kept me from buying a power meter, so I\’ll keep doing what I\’ve been doing to try to improve my pace. One day, I hope, there\’ll be a breakthrough.