Cyclomania

I am one who believes quality time on a bike for fitness is better than acquiring mileage goals. What do you think?

Machka 

My specialty is long distance cycling. Acquiring distance is what I do.

But "a good workout" can be any distance depending on what you do during that distance. And even as a long distance cyclist, it is good to mix it up a bit.

Cyclomania

Interesting study I read about that stated that men who ride long distances have less testosterone in their system than those that ride short brisk intervals. My voice is higher pitched following a long ride lol.

Machka 

Somehow I have serious doubts that study is true ... and I would suspect that your voice is higher after a long ride because of the hours and hours of breathing through your mouth.

Anyway ... it's not a worry for me. I'm a woman.

JonathanGennick 

I feel like you're confusing two things. A work-out is something one does to achieve specific fitness goals. Quality time on a bike is something one puts in for fun. A good work-out is one that moves me towards my desired physical fitness level. Quality-time, otoh, moves me towards my desired mental fitness level.

Cyclomania

Sorry for the gender mistake.
Anyway, here's the study, perhaps someone you know may be interested in reading it:
https://www.raise-your-testosterone.c...ne-levels.html

Phil_gretz

The previous answers were helpful. You need to be more specific in your question(s). Let's rephrase them into two: (1) how must I ride to achieve a good cardiovascular workout; and (2) how long should I ride to achieve a level of "bike fitness" suitable for _______ [insert goal here: ride a century, begin self supported touring, keep up with my local club "c" ride, etc.].

The answer to (1) is very dependent on your present level of fitness and your goals. But if you're beneath middle-aged, and want good cardio vascular health, you'll need to ride 4 times per week, for a minimum of 30-45 minutes per ride, at a fairly strenous power level. Any ride of 45 minutes, while working hard, not faking it or dogging it, will accomplish this. Make sure that you begin with light stretching and easy spinning until your muscles are warm, and conclude by easy spinning and full stretching.

To answer (2), you'll have to be more specific about your personal goals. There are many threads on each particular goal (century, touring, club riding), use google search for those...

Generally 10 weekly hours on the bike with ~150-170 miles ridden will accomplish most of these goals, but century preparation needs to be more devoted to gradually increasing mileage until back-to-back 60-70 mile days can be accomplished.

Proper nutrition, hydration, and rest must be build into your routing, too.

Good luck,
Phil

Cyclomania

Good one Phil, but I was only asking people what they thought defined their own personal fitness profile. Sometimes time on a bike for me is more valuable, I can be doing interval training and the like and get just as much value from it than doing a century ride. Or at other times I'm going for that pie in the sky goal of doing a 30 miler, but that can sometimes kill the work- out- listen- to- your- body experience. Just wanted peoples opinions is all.

DataJunkie

Each workout has its own goals. If it is an endurance workout than time on the bike is important. Speed play then time is irrelevant.
On and on.
Some of my most difficult workouts have been an hour long and some of my easiest have been all day rides. It just depends.

PatW

Well, I don't really get on a bike without the intention of doing more than 30 miles. Some rides turn out to be intense and other ones are not. I have enough riding miles now that I have gotten a bit philosophical about rides. Any ride beats not riding at all.

Farmer Dave

I think intensity is a very important factor in determining a good workout. But this is just my opinion.

dolanp

If getting a workout is the goal then it's all about heart rate for me. I often go do short ~10 mile workouts and burn up 500-600 calories.

Totally different experience than riding around for fun.

bigbadwullf

Quality of time. I can get a great work out in 15 miles.
50 seems like overkill to me.
Hey, let's play 36 holes of golf! Sounds like fun, but......

DEK

I go for time in the saddle which will lead to more miles. Works for me.

Machka 

If you think 50 seems like overkill ... have a look at my website www.machka.net (or see signature).