Can someone convince me an all-day ride is beneficial?

That article casually and carelessly reports that a medical study using children makes the case that reducing one of the risk factors of heart disease seems to be a wash as between aerobic and anaerobicexercise. Big whoop; even if it does prove out to be accurate with older adults..which I doubt. It's just looking at one single outcome, not a complete physiological picture. Show me the complete picture of the after effects of both between two groups of adults 50+, I'll pay attention.

But this last year or two I got deadly bored with long rides as well, so I mixed it up with short fun rides, hill climbing rides, spinning, running, and yoga. Still, a metric century on a nice day is a definite plus, and I think it builds a certain physical endurance capability I can't get from the other activites. No pushing to get it over in 3-4 hours. I make a destination out of the half way mark, like shopping or a nice light lunch or meeting someone for coffee. Sometimes I select a problem I want to work out, think out, with the goal that I'll develop and answer by the end of the ride. Or, I'll use this type of ride to explore a new area, perhaps drive in..ride a fair part of the day..drive home. I also got rid of all the computers, tunes, and anything that junked up the ride, keeping it pure and meditational. So, now I'm enjoying the longer rides more...it's sort of a treat as compared to some 'duty' to ride centuries. A. So, on this basis I'll say an all day ride is beneficial, mentally and physically. B. No one can convince you, you need to convince yourself.