My record for Cardiff to Bristol was 2h9m or 19.5mph. That’s the far East of Cardiff to central Bristol, an average of 19.5mph. Wasn’t too unhappy with that I must say. That was on a full road bike with very little luggage as above. Usually about 2h20-30 though.

Fair enough. I can average high 20’s for 8 miles of my commute, its downhill and if I catch all the lights and have a tailwind – but I wouldn’t say ‘I can average high 20’s on my commute’.

Last months century was 17.4, last 50 19.6, last 35 20.2, on the fast bike with minimal kit.

Less impressive but far more believable 🙂

I still reckon you’ll average more than 15mph though. At the moment I’m about 18mph in and 16ish home depending on the wind.

Think you’d be about right.

It’s all about the time – 2 hours each of a day with only yourself to please, go for it it you fancy it, the fitness will come if it isn’t there already.

My commute is around 50Km and only happens maybe twice a week due to family commitments. Just takes a bit of an overrun at work and I’m not home till 7 which can be a problem.

Are you going along the West Quay road? Wouldn’t fancy that any time of day myself!

Well, yes, but isn’t that what commuting threads are for 😉 ?

Do you need to carry much? I’ve got a laptop, d-lock, change of clothes etc. with me when I commute.

A 60 mile daily commute sounds like a good way to take the fun out of road riding to me. I’d love to get out for that sort of ride each day, but having to do it, doing it at the start and end of a working day, doing it at commuter times probably in commuter traffic, lugging work kit, think I’d get sick of it pretty quickly. A couple of days a week might be nice though, and probably fit quite well with training.

Pretty well all my kit stays at work: trousers; shoes; jumper; lock; towel. I also leave a pair of socks and underpants at work just in case I forget 8) So all I need to take on the bike are: socks; underpants; t-shirt; keys; wallet; phone. In addition there’s the usual bike spares plus waterproof. Towel gets swapped weekly, trousers as and when I think they need a wash.

So there’s a little bit of “bootstrapping” to get things there and set up but once that’s done I’ve actually got very little to carry for most day to day commutes.

I could if I bought another lock, which I should do really…

You do half and half. Park somewhere in Lyndhurst or somewhere and ride from/back to there. Not leaving anything overnight.

Mmmm, I suspect you’re in a bit of a minority there, not many folk (myself included) would want to do that day in day out, you’re absolutely right in the fact there’s no obligation being a good motivator etc etc. On the days I’ve ridden all the way to work I absolutely dread having to ride home frankly, it’s not relaxing at all, doing it consecutive days I’m just knackered and want to be at home!

Average speed comparisons are a bit pointless, there is a big difference between a commute through london and a commute through the countryside.

Traffic, Lights, Crossings etc play a big part in your average speed in how much slowing down and accelerating you have to do.

I ride in at weekends as my weekend work is not set in stone. its 28 miles and takes approx 1.45. The driving route is 32 miles and often takes 1 hour. The time difference isn’t so great and I have got in a good ride and not spent £8 on fuel.
For your conundrum I would be looking at a New Forest car park around Picket Post, by the service station. Drive the M27 /A31 quick bit by car, then off the A31 and a lovely ride through and out the forest toward Hurn airport. No significant hills and some really nice riding roads , beware of the local wildlife though.