I think I read once that to burn calories, go longer rather faster. I thought this meant only that there’s a trade off, and going longer makes more difference than going faster. But I recently got numbers from a couple of rides that surprised me.

All metrics supplied by RidewithGPS, Garmin computer, Shimano Dura Ace power meter.

Rides 1 and 2 were the same distance. in Ride 2 I averaged 13 watts harder, so my ride was shorter by 12 minutes. But Ride 1 burned 26 more calories! I’d have thought going harder over same distance would have burned more. But maybe this is an example of going longer rather than harder burning more calories.

I know these calorie estimations are imperfect. But curious for your thoughts.