Free Speed!
If you really were concerned about speed then you'd not fly a biplane. All that parasitic drag and inefficient compression between the wings. Almost a built-in headwind in itself!
About a month ago, I was battling my way to Brittany against a headwind - the g/s was not even in 3 figures. Pretty uncommon to slip below the 100kts but it occasionally happens
This morning I flew from Sherlowe (been to see my folks) to South Norfolk and my average groundspeed was 151kts - that's over two and a half nauticals a minute - in a bipe!
I was listening out to Birmingham radar and they asked an inbound flight for a wind check at 4000' . 240/44 came the answer. I was under class D airspace at 3,300' and was tracking to the east. All that free speed - I love it!
As I approached Leicester, I cruise climbed upto 4,300 and the g/speed slowly crept up to 154kts. Once east of Lakenheath, I descened slowly to circuit height and was travelling in excess of 200mph at my economy cruise power setting.
Sherlowe to mine in 57minutes - It took me 1h19 on Friday.
Tailwinds - wish I could always have one!
Stik