Originally Posted by
Commodus
Well...I definitely don't do this. What I mean is, I just look for segments that are around where I want to train, and plan the route around them. If it's my Thursday fun ride, or maybe my Tuesday sprinting day, I'll meter my efforts so that I can go particularly hard on those segments and see how I do.
The real value in this approach is that generally well-traveled segments are also on roads that are good for cycling, so I get a little local insight into some potential new routes. I like to avoid heavy traffic, for example.
I ignore all downhill segments though, and those that require running stop signs. There are quite a few of those, and it kinda makes me wonder who's taking such silly chances for something so pointless.
http://app.strava.com/segments/2638796
This is a weak little downhill here, but it carries on a while and you can get some good speed on it...well it runs under the interstate, where there are two lights, for the on and off ramp. If you catch those green lights you can fly, but then the whole thing ends at a redlight too. I'm not willing to blow two lights at full speed to get this KOM.