intransit1217

What are LSM's good for? Nothin'?

That can't be true. Opinions? Value of LSM's? Religion? Satan?

Go.

Machka 

What are LSMs?

Are you talking about Long Steady Distance?

If so, Long Steady Distance is the fastest speed you can maintain over a long distance.


For example, if you set out to do a metric century, and you start the ride at 27 km/h, but by the end of the ride you're plodding along at 17 km/h in exhaustion, then 27 km/h is not your Long Steady Distance pace.
However, if you start the ride at 22 km/h and finish the ride at 22 km/h, and feel like that was the fastest you could do the 100 km without having to slow down toward the end because you just could not maintain that speed anymore, then 22 km/h might be your Long Steady Distance pace ... at this point.

Intervals, hill repeats, and other speed work during the week, in combination with Long Steady Distance rides on the weekends, could gradually increase your Long Steady Distance pace. After a couple months, perhaps 23 km/h might become your new Long Steady Distance pace.

The Long Steady Distance pace helps you work through nutrition and hydration issues ...the distance is long enough that you need to think about those things. It also helps you sort out any fit issues on the bicycle. It might present you with weather challenges and you'll have to consider clothing options. It gives you saddle time so that you feel comfortable over long distances. And it provides you with the confidence that you can cover long distances.

intransit1217

Long Slow Miles was what I was thinking. But that works too! Thank you, Machka. I'm sorting my cockpit on the roadbike right now. Stem issues I think.
But I did 34 at less than 18mph and could have gone further but I had time restraints today. There's a century coming up this saturday. It's worth a shot.

intransit1217

Checking out your website too!

Machka 

It's kind of under construction at the moment ... a little dismantled. But some of it is up and running ... the RTW tour, the 2006 UMCA 24-hour race, my Links page and of course, my photo gallery.

I'm hoping to get it fully back up again throughout the next month or two.

Machka 

Riding slowly (slow enough that you're not putting much effort into it) is good for recovery days.

achoo

And riding just a bit harder for a LONG time is great for building aerobic power.

OldTryGuy

Keeping an eye on the heart rate is very useful.