FRC928

Good morning everyone. I've only been back to cycling for a little over a month, and had a quick question, that I hope hasn't been asked over and over again.

Do you guys take a break? I mean in the middle of your ride do you ever just stop for a few minutes, and then carry on. For some reason, maybe competitive nature in myself, I find my self just pushing on even when I feel totally gassed and just want to stop.

What do you guys do?

10 Wheels

Take a Break or a Day Off if that is What you need.

ill.clyde

There's a part of me that sees people's Strava posts that include a photo from their ride and I always think, "You know, I should stop and take a pic" .... but I'm like you, I have a hard time making myself stop. I'd guess that's largely due to my ongoing quest to bump my average mph up as I get back into cycling the way I used to be.

The good news is I am seeing that increase ... maybe I'll make time to stop now

FBinNY 

Since I'm not in competition, I do whatever I feel like at the moment. There's no point pushing on if I'm suffering, so I'll take a break and hope for a bit of recovery. OTOH, if I'm near the top of a climb, I may push through in the hope that I'll recover afterward.

There are no rules or goals other than having the best ride I can.

1911bg

I stop when I feel I need to.Take pics or get some water.Then right back at it.Just a few minutes stretching the legs makes all the difference in the world.

drewguy

Yes - on longer rides (>30miles), I'll stop to have a bite of energy bar or refill water.

FRC928

Thanks for all the input guys, it's much appreciated.

bigbiker1

I stop when I need to which actually seems to be less and less the farther I am able to ride. For me though I have to stop for just a bit when I need a drink, I am too afraid of crashing when I reach down for my water bottle or even keeping just one hand on the bars for more then a couple of seconds isn't comfortable to me.

knitguy

On anything longer than 30 or 40 miles I'll generally take a break. On my last really hilly (for me) but short (again for me) ride I took loads of breaks.

pdlamb

I take a break when I want to or when I need one.


If you're on a supported ride with long climbs, take a camera. When you take a break on a climb, pull out the camera and everyone will assume you want to take some pictures. If you don't every cyclist and support car that passes you will ask if you're OK.

jsigone

on long rides, I stop for pics on view points or take photos while waiting at red lights, wait I do that on short rides too Often stop at least one time for coffee shop pastry and latte. If century like ride, I'll get coffee stop in around mile 80-90 and have a decent lunch stop around mile 40-60. Sometime I have to be home quick so it's just gas station break. stock up on 3-4 payday bars, h20 and canned starbucks doubleshot espresso

kevlar_heart 

For solo rides tt depends on the goal for the day: Hard training, Recovery or Recreation

Hard training has some set intervals and routes -- those I try to keep to schedule....that includes slow riding/resting in between death matches with hills.

I like to keep most other rides continuous, but I've found that I'm not as adept at fueling (eating) as I used to be when in motion. I like to pick a place to stop and relax/eat a bit, I usually have more energy when I am finishing my ride.

For recreation rides, especially trails or scenic routes, I will stop if something interests me....or for coffee, which always interests me.

In group rides I try to go with the consensus. If people want to stop, I'll stop. If not, I'll push on. That being said, if I find myself feeling off or excessively fatigued I'll let the group know I'm stopping....we usually have a buddy system so no one is abandoned. If I do get dropped, I make my way to the rally point.

As others have said, do what feels best for you. If someone gives you grief let it go....

kc0bbq

I stop, or not. If it's 50+ miles there's usually at least one water stop.

In groups we do it about the same. We can be pretty competitive, but we usually focus that onto certain locations. We're in it to have fun and everyone's good about that.

rumrunn6

Wifey's strategy "only pedal when absolutely necessary" riding with her is enjoyable for many reasons despite her strategy

deaninkl

I stop a lot, mostly as my routs are very hilly and I simply have to get off an push sometimes (have road gearing and I need MTB gearing...), then they are the picture stops, the pee stops, water stops..... I'm not racing anyone, and I burn pretty much the same calories as long as I cover the distance.... So yes.. I stop sometimes

NYSteve

Here are my two cents:

I usually always push on. Unless I am totally out of gas. I push on.

I personally am not happy with where I am. I want to be able to ride more, climb bigger hills, go farther.

I do MMR on all my rides to hold myself accountable. I share my rides to my Social Media.

I am yet able to ride 30, 40, and 50 miles. I sometimes stop on 15 miles rides. Heck I even stop on smaller.

MikeOK

I picked up biking again a couple months ago. It kinda hurts my pride but I do take breaks occasionally. Yesterday's ride was in brutal heat and I stopped twice and laid down in the shade for a few minutes. It wasn't just that I was tired, it was a necessity. The only thing I don't like about it is when motorists stop to see if I'm okay. It's a little embarrassing.

Yendor72

I may stop if I need to get my heart rate under control. Yesterday my heart rate was around 165 at my turn around point. I eased up but didn't stop. I wanted my heart rate in the 160 area. As I eased up my heart rate came down and I felt better about what I was feeling.

Bottom line is to listen to your body. If you are struggling and feel you need to stop, stop. If you can get away with slowing down a bit, then do that. If you are in the zone and feeling like a million bucks, then maybe you don't stop.

theK00L_AIDman

I don't think there is any shame in taking a pit stop. Most of us here are not racing and are riding for recreation and fitness. Unless your idea of fun or enjoyment hinges upon an idea of no pain, no pain, and pushing through no matter what (some people genuinely enjoy the challenge), there's no reason not to take a break if you feel you need it. Pushing yourself a bit is how positive change happens. Pushing yourself too far is how injuries happen.

boozergut

I stop and take a pic anytime I see wildlife. It helps create a memory of the ride.

The Full Monty

I totally get where you are coming from. I haven't pushed past my limits but I do somewhat pressure myself to push on, instead of stopping for a pic. I feel kind of weird stopping while people are riding by, and i dont want people thinking im taking shots of them or anything so i dont do it when anyone is nearby. Strava is a part of it too. I'm never racing,
Im not fast, but I did feel like I should stay moving sometimes.

It's something I want to work on doing better at because photography is one of the major reasons I've picked up cycli ng again.

Doxeyweb

I ride with a waterproof/shockproof camera in my bag. I stop often for pics and the chat if I'm not along. I don't Strava or race much anymore. Just try to rnjoy being outside. I focus more on distance than speed.

Jstan84

I typically take a break every 5-10 miles, but I'm pretty large (348lbs). It's not about needing a break as much as it is stretching and relaxing for a couple minutes and looking at some scenery. The road isn't going anywhere so I don't get in a rush to get the ride finished. I certainly wouldn't stop in the middle of a segment that I am trying to improve my time on though

drewguy

Just pause it when you stop. (And don't stop in the middle of a segment!)

baron von trail 

I take a break to drink water and eat a gel every 45 minutes. On hot days like today, I'll dump a bottle or two of water on my head. My advice: definitely take a break.