I agree, I have been using Panaracer Fire XC Pros now for three or four years, a great all round tyre. They last well, good resistance to punctures, handle well and good on the tarmac as well.

Thanks for the quick responses. Didn’t realise wheels were made for left handers!

It takes time and hard work but you will get quicker and average speed on your computer is a great indicator of how you are doing. Good idea to write some details down after each ride, distance, average speed, conditions etc. To improve though you will have to push yourself hard, your body has the abilty to get stonger after a hard ride.