How to Determine Your Average Pace

CRW offers rides for a wide range of cyclists. Ride descriptions typically list the average pace(s) supported on that ride. Choosing the right pace group helps ensure you ride with people whose pace and effort level are similar to yours.

Most ride registrations ask riders to select the average pace they expect to ride. This helps ride leaders confirm that riders are well-matched for the ride and, when appropriate, organize pace groups.

To choose the correct pace group, riders should understand their typical average pace.

What Does “Average Pace” Mean?

In CRW rides, average pace refers to your overall average speed for the ride. It does not mean:

• your top speed
• the speed you ride on flat roads
• the fastest speed you feel comfortable riding

Average pace reflects your overall ride speed across flats, hills, and descents. Because climbs slow you down, your true average pace is often lower than you expect.

How to Determine Your Average Pace

Most riders determine their average pace using a bike computer, fitness watch, or phone app that records ride data.

These devices calculate your average speed for a ride, which provides a good estimate of your average pace when choosing rides or pace groups.

Many riders upload their rides to platforms such as Strava. After a few rides, you can review your ride history to see your typical average pace on different routes.

Most devices also allow you to exclude time stopped at lights or breaks. Riders typically use this moving average speed when describing their pace.

No Bike Computer?

If you do not track your rides electronically, you can estimate your average pace by considering how fast you ride comfortably on flat roads and then reducing that number to account for hills, terrain, and variations during a ride. For most riders, average pace will be noticeably lower than the speed they ride on flat roads.
Riders who regularly ride with friends can also ask those riders what pace they typically maintain.

Using Your Pace

Once you know your average pace, choose rides or pace groups that match it. During the ride, speeds will naturally vary:

• faster on flats and descents
• slower on climbs

Selecting the right pace group helps ensure you ride with a group that matches your expected effort. Your pace may also change over time as your fitness improves or after time away from cycling. Reviewing your average pace periodically can help you track your progress and choose appropriate rides.