i was saying to a non-cyclist that i did a 30 mile ride (very flat park loops) and his reaction was OMG that is so extreme.

Well, it depends on intensity and to what you have become accustomed. I was going at a pace where i could sing to myslelf and hold a long conversation and really wasn't getting out of breath. In summer time when proper riding gets done (assuming time and injury permitting) and not just winter keeping the legs active type riding, a typical ride would be at least 60 miles twice a week.

The park loops really was just a stroll in the park, but non cyclists have such an odd response.