Solo average speed to hit before I race?

I've been thinking about trying a road race or two this summer (either Cat 4 or 35+/4). Given I typically ride solo, I'm curious what speed I should be averaging to at least hang in there? On a realatively flat course, not too windy of a day for 12, 25 and 50 miles - what speed do folks out there average solo? I'm at about 24 mph for 12 miles, 22 for 25 and 20 for 50. Is that in the ball park?
Thanks.
P.S. I'm on a 1985 Baso with 6 speed Dura Ace - shifters on the down tube - is that a problem? (I know I need to upgrade but can't at the moment).

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Originally Posted by Phatstix

I've been thinking about trying a road race or two this summer (either Cat 4 or 35+/4). Given I typically ride solo, I'm curious what speed I should be averaging to at least hang in there? On a realatively flat course, not too windy of a day for 12, 25 and 50 miles - what speed do folks out there average solo? I'm at about 24 mph for 12 miles, 22 for 25 and 20 for 50. Is that in the ball park?
Thanks.
P.S. I'm on a 1985 Baso with 6 speed Dura Ace - shifters on the down tube - is that a problem? (I know I need to upgrade but can't at the moment).

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I raced cat 4 at the beginning of the year. We did a relatively flat 50 mile race and came in at 2:04, so just under 30 mph. That said, if you're averaging 20 on your own, you could easily hang with a field going 30 on a flat course. You'll end up doing so much less work in a field if you're not pulling.

How fast you can do solo doesn't mean squat if you don't know how to time the breaks and hang with the peloton.

I think you could hang but why not grab some group rides with one of the local clubs or teams? They usually have a newbie night or something like that and once you get to know a couple you can grab some to the faster training rides to check out you group riding ability plus your fitness. Remember the group dynamic is very different then going solo.

Thanks all. I think I'm more concerned with my fitness level than riding in the bunch, etc. I did do a race when I was young man, so, I have a good idea what to expect. My technical skills are pretty good so I don't think I'll cause any problems (famous last words haha)