So do I plan my rides? No. The length and direction of my rides can literally be determined by which way the blows.

I am retired, and here in the Midwest were I live we don't have the best weather. I've ridden 67 times so far this year. I try to plan my tasks and chores around the weather and my cycling. Things like shopping and haircuts can be done on rainy days. Grass mowing can be done on cold, very windy, and extremely hot days. Any decent [weather] day... is potentially a cycling day.

I have several different routes I ride. I have three versions of my short ride (6, 10, 14 miles). My regular 10 mile ride to the post office (that I often stretch out much further). Two different 20 mile loops, two different 25 mile out-and-backs, a thirty mile ride. A 42 mile out and back (my favorite). All these rides (and a few others) I sometime combine, or modify.

I try to add in destination cycling. I like to stop at (go to) somewhere interesting and take a selfie for facebook. I hope to inspire my old friends to join me in the fun even if we live too far apart to cycle together. These rides take me "off course" and keeps the scenery fresh and interesting.