Re: Time vs. speed / distance, yeah that's pretty much what I've been trying to do overall: consistency rather than exhaustion. Yesterday was just much harder for some reason. Maybe the 'hills' (bumps to some of you :-) on the ride... ?

I also have learned to remember that same rule when (push/walk-behind) mowing our yard during Louisiana summers. Midday "aerobic mowing" can bring you to your knees pretty quickly as well, when the temp is >90F and the humidity more than 60%!

Anyway, we have a three-bike Hollywood Sportrider rack for our Odyssey and we (me, wife and daughter) do get out some to a local park. I also can carry just my bike in the back of my truck, so I do that as well. I just want to work out some "starting from the house" routes as alternatives since they're logistically easier, eg., when I have less time to ride.