Flopsy, is there a CTC group in you area? I've always been a "reasonable" cyclist ( was into 10 mile TT's before getting into fell running in '83 ). I've made a decision to rest my ageing knees this summer by concentrating on cycling. On Thursdays I go out with a group from the Lancaster & South Lakes CTC ( mostly pensioners and middle-aged housewives with time to spare ). They tend to average 13-14 mph on the level, which is not particularly nippy, but they keep it up for 60 - 70 miles with a mid morning coffee stop and a lunch break, home in time for tea.

Ian.