Typical Speed for the NYC Bike Tour: Training & Pace

Question
I was planning on participating in the NY city Bike Tour next year.  I've been training all summer.  Im curious what a normal speed is in a tour like that?  How fast should i be going to stay with the group?  I dont need to win but i would like to at least be at par level.   I've been traveling like 15mph.   Is that considered slow, fast, normal?  I'd like to adjust my training accordingly.   Thanks a lot!!

Answer
Jeph,

The speed of a tour depends very much on the people and the course.  If it is crowded or hilly, your speed will be lower.  As I look at the website, it looks like you can go at a reasonable pace for the Tour.  Normal speed, then, is something like 15 or 16 mph.  Thus, you are right in there if you want to ride at a "normal" pace.  

The more regular, serious riders will be looking for 18-20 mph, which can be achieved fairly easily if you ride in a large group on a road bike.  If you haven't yet, think about riding with a club or team, because not only will they push your fitness a bit more, but you will learn to ride in a pack, which takes some practice.  The upside of the time spent learning pack riding, though, is an average pace of about 2-3 mph faster than you would go alone.

Good luck!  If you ever get the chance, do the El Tour de Tucson in Arizona.  It is my favorite century and a wonderful way to spend a November day.

Graeme