optimal rest periods
 

Is there an optimal rest period or any theories on what is with regard to riding like 1-2 rest days a week or something?

That's about what I do ... 1-2 days per week depending on how much effort I put into my cycling during the week or so surrounding those days.

Way back in the day, before I became a fat tub of lard, I used to lift weights. I had my own personal trainer and his advice was that the body (muscles and connecting tissues) only need 24-32 hours of rest between strenuous use with anything over 48 being unoptimal.

It really all depends on what you are doing. If you are commuting under 300 kms a week I would say you do not need any time off the bike. If you are training and are having peak output, then yes you would want to have a rest day, but again this all depends on your training.

+1

the more years you ride the more you get to know yourself and the better you can read what you're body is trying to tell you.

I will say this, I take more rest days as a veloGeezer than I did when I was a veloYoungLion:D

i do about 60km a week on a moutain bike with at least 2 days off.

I have a strenuous ride on Sundays and try to get out on tuesday and thursday nights. Normally tuesday will be 5 to 10 miles at speed and thursday will be a trip up two of our stiff hills. If I can't get out on the bike due to extreme weather or any other excuse in the week- then it will be a session at the gym. The speed ride will be replaced with a spinning class and the hills will be covered with cardio vascular work. Reckon that I need a days rest between exercise- at least.

Two hours rest out of 24 works just fine in RAAM.

I'm on my bike everyday. 15 miles per day commuting M-F. Club rides of 25-40 miles Tuesday & Thursday evenings at 15-17mph. Back-to-Back distance rides of 70-120 miles on Saturday and Sunday. So I guess my "rest" days are Mon., Wed., Fri. if I can stand not going on a longer ride in addition to my commute.