Road Cycling - Which Ride is Better?

Newbie road biker here. I have a 20 mile loop I have been riding for a week or so. I thought it was best to ride the 20 miles without stopping at all. Today I picked another route, and at mile 8 I had to wait at a stoplight for 3 or so minutes. I felt like this was cheating, but I was able to ride fresh again almost like a high energy boost.

Bottom line which do you guys prefer for a beginner; 20 miles non stop, or 20 miles with a 3 minute break at the half way point?

Thanks for any input.
Richard

I'd always prefer a route that has the least amount of idle time. Even after a 1 minute rest at a light my legs feel a bit noodly when starting back up. Only after 5 minutes do my legs begin to feel fresh. On the other hand, I don't see anything negative about having a short rest period in your ride, provided you're not peeved by it.

20 miles nonstop. I like to about 50+ before taking a short break.

55/Rad

20 miles nonstop. I like to about 50+ before taking a short break.

55/Rad

I hope to be there soon 55/Rad. Just started so right now I am a wimp.

Richard

haven't been riding with the boys, but everydayI, take a solitary ride after works for 40 k and 30 k of that is non stop cycling, and an average of 28 k to 33 k, really gives me the workout I need,

I prefer to not stop until about 50 miles or so, but i live in NYC and have few rides without some traffic lights. My legs tighten when I have to stop and it takes a few minutes to loosen up again.

For me it just depends on my mood. Some times I just want an easy ride thru the park listening to the birds, sound of running water from the found ton (sp), or looking at the female joggers as they run. Then some times I want to hammer it. I am lucky, out of 5 highways that go out of town, 4 have 8 ft shoulder, and so it may it wonderful to ride the highway. The nearest town is 40 miles away so it wide open to hammer non-stop.

Newbie road biker here. I have a 20 mile loop I have been riding for a week or so. I thought it was best to ride the 20 miles without stopping at all. Today I picked another route, and at mile 8 I had to wait at a stoplight for 3 or so minutes. I felt like this was cheating, but I was able to ride fresh again almost like a high energy boost.

Bottom line which do you guys prefer for a beginner; 20 miles non stop, or 20 miles with a 3 minute break at the half way point?

Thanks for any input.
Richard

I wouldn't stop in 20 miles but I have been riding for years.

You did say you are a beginner. Catching your breath and drinking some water can't hurt after 10 miles. The major thing is doing the miles. If taking a short break makes you feel better, do it by all means. The thing is that the more pleasant you make cycling the more likely you are to continue doing it. Always go for comfort unless, of course, you LIKE pain.

The good thing about stops (traffic lights :mad: , etc.) is that after them you can/should hammer to get back into your cruising speed. This type of accelleration comes in handy later on, in group rides, races, hill climbs, etc.

Thanks for the replies. Trying to get into shape for 400 miles or so on the Blue Ridge Parkway next Spring.

Richard