How do I get faster?

Dear Phil,
How does a cyclist who is just started get better? I have joined a bike club and can keep up with the recreational riders but not the better ones. Any tips?
-Dave

Dear Dave,
The club is a good start. Riding with others will get you a sense of where you are, and the competition is good training.

The bad news is that there's really no one tip to make you improve. It's about doing the right training, getting enough recovery, identifying your strengths weaknesses, and knowing how to adjust your training accordingly. If you can afford it, hiring a personal coach can be a great investment. I worked with clients personally who had been stagnant for a few years in their fitness, and saw improvements within weeks of starting a regimented, broad training plan tailored to their goals and needs. Finding a coach is the best one tip I can give you. Otherwise, the best way to beat your buddies is to train harder than they do. Good luck.
-Phil