Bizarre Speed Increase on Longer Rides

[vorsprung]

I have noticed I am doing 100km+rides faster this year.

I don't think I am doing anything much different except last year I commuted more
I have a new bike but it's not much better than the old bike
I haven't done any special training
I haven't rested more than last year
It isn't spring in the UK
I have been riding these sorts of distances on a road bike for 5 years and this is the biggest leap in speed I've seen since I began

Speed is up from under 25kph to over 28kph

Full details of my bafflement on my blog

Given that "commuting more" isn't a recognised way of going faster, any ideas?

 

[Stingray34]

New computer? calibration amiss?
Riding in early morning with no wind?
Riding in group or with faster partners?
More efficient wheels?
Better position on new bike?
Better ride nutrition to avoid bonk?
Woke up in the morning and found out you're fit?
Half ya luck!

 

[The Gnome]

Lose a wife or bit#hy girlfriend...? Might explain alot...

 

[Barracuda]

Lose a wife or bit#hy girlfriend...? Might explain alot...

Yes ...... now thats Gold

 

[vorsprung]

New computer? calibration amiss?

same computer, same front wheel, same tyre for first couple of rides

Riding in early morning with no wind?

same time of day

Riding in group or with faster partners?

all solo rides

More efficient wheels?

First couple of rides on the same tyres but rear hub is better ( a new Hope Pro 3). Same rims, same spokes

Better position on new bike?

The position is different as this bike is slightly longer, good point

Better ride nutrition to avoid bonk?

I don't think it is this, I've not had any problems with that for a few years. Glucose Polymer drink + a banana + a cereal bar is more than enough for 100km rides

Woke up in the morning and found out you're fit?

You've been talking to my lady friends?

 

[vorsprung]

Lose a wife or bit#hy girlfriend...? Might explain alot...

Same loverly wife

 

[Stingray34]

You've been talking to my lady friends?

Word gets around.

 

[vorsprung]

I've done another blog post summarizing the feedback I got:

"Faster: the Feedback"

The main reasons seemed to be:
1) You are trying harder. So in other words I am not any fitter but I am making more effort

2) Your bike actually is a bit faster. Some physical aspects of the bike make it roll faster for less effort

3) The riding you did last year has had some effect on your fitness, even though it was mainly low intensity

4) Although the routes you follow are “similar” they are not the same and so must be a bit easier

 

[Stingray34]

I've done another blog post summarizing the feedback I got:

"Faster: the Feedback"

The main reasons seemed to be:
1) You are trying harder. So in other words I am not any fitter but I am making more effort

2) Your bike actually is a bit faster. Some physical aspects of the bike make it roll faster for less effort

3) The riding you did last year has had some effect on your fitness, even though it was mainly low intensity

4) Although the routes you follow are “similar” they are not the same and so must be a bit easier

5) You didn't buy upgrades, you rode up grades (thanks, Eddy)

 

[Hawkwood]

Just a thought have you started eating Spanish steak?