How frequently a person "successfully" exercises is dependent on more than just time. Bear in mind that the intensity you exercise at will factor into the period you need to rest.

The original post includes a phrase like "but life gets in the way sometimes" - this kind of statement seems to be clue that other interests and responsibilities can lengthen the need for longer periods between rides.

Since this is an "over 50" forum - one could assume that exercising to fatigue repeatedly - is not an optimal cycling strategy for improving one's performance.

But hey, some of us have way too far, and far too long for longevity to be the only goal of riding.