I will be working towards my long distance ride goals as well but a fair amount of my rides will be to burn as much calories as I can. It is one of my goals and therefore I enjoy it.

Max Calorie Burn includes the residual effect of an increased metabolism, recovery, etc. For today's purposes let's use a comparison of a 10 and 25 mile ride.

Pretend the 25 mile ride is at your cruising speed. The total burn (exercise, recovery, etc) is XX.

Now let's go to 10 mile ride but after your warmup you do high intensity intervals. Just pound it for a few minutes or a small stretch. Then do a recovery period then pound it again. The total burn (exercise, recovery, etc) is YY.

In your opinion which is better? Some would say "Whatever gets you out a riding!". Sure, but if I'm willing to do either what is the most benefit for calorie burn?

Thoughts? Am I making a fair comparison? Wrong thinking? On the right track?