rideVLOG

Hey everyone, new to the forums, sorry if this is a beaten down question, but I can't find anywhere, the forums or google a definitive discussion on wether, when starting out new, to bike for time or distance?

I've been running most of my life, and usually use distance as a bench mark (then of course factor pace average, etc..). I had an injury a while back in college when I used to road bike a lot, and have been out of the game for a while, mostly for anxiety reasons, haha. But now I've gotten back into it, love it, and plan to use as probably my main form of cardio and fitness.

And I don't know if it's cause I have mild OCD, and like absolutes, like time trials or distance marks, I just want to know y'alls opinion on what you guys do? Like do you train for time, like plan a two hour ride and see how your numbers add up? Or do you go for distance and try to hit 30 miles and see what the time is?

Thanks for any advice and opinions, appreciate it...

10 Wheels

Go for miles......go for 100 mile rides.

JerrySTL

Depends. Most organized rides are set by distance such as metric century or century rides. There are a few like 12- and 24-hour races, but they are somewhat rare.

If out riding, I usually have an amount of time that I can ride and optimize that time. Yesterday I had about 2 hours time to ride so I did 31 miles in about 1:50 hrs.

For the most part I'm about mileage and don't care about speed as much. My goal is to do at least 4,000 miles this year. I really don't care all that much how fast I do it although I do calculate my average speed throughout the year.

Kindaslow

I think variety is the key. Sometimes I have a mileage goal for a specific day, yet yesterday was a loop around a nearby island and that was all about trying to do this loop faster and faster. I believe your pleasure and interest is better maintained with variety.

fietsbob

I ride to get places see or be or get stuff.. Touring or Utility-Commuting.

MichaelW

Many elite cyclists ride to power-output. I ride to the shops.

jfowler85

Many elite data nerds, perhaps.

GovernorSilver

I think you're looking for the Road Cycling forum - scroll down a bit. Those are the folks who are into training for speed or whatever.

rideVLOG

Thanks man, and everyone for the replies, great info

Jim from Boston

Bike for time or distance?

For years I was all about mileage too, but this summer I formulated a training program emphasizing speed (or more properly intensity) based on a Relative Perceived Exertion scale, as described on this thread, "Riding versus Training."

obed7

actually forget both mileage and speed. Ride for fun, both of the other things will come.

ThermionicScott 

"Ride lots."

ltxi

Rec/fitness rider...I ride by distance. Pay attention to time but for me it's secondary.

GovernorSilver

I guess I should answer the questions since I participated in the thread.

I ride my bike to work (commute) 1-2 times a week, to get groceries, to participate in casual (non-racing) group rides, and simply just to explore and have fun. I don't keep close track of how much time it took for me to get anywhere. I only track distance because other people ask how far I rode, so I have an answer for them.

I think the other forum that the racing enthusiasts hang out in, besides Road Cycling (I lurk there because they sometimes talk about interesting gear) is the Training and Nutrition forum, for obvious reasons. As you can see, the General Discussion forum is a hangout for all types cyclists: some race, some just ride for fun, some commute, some are into touring, etc.

Doctor Morbius

Intervals.

Jim from Boston

Good answer...the best answer to the OP, IMO.

Garfield Cat

Its both time and distance just like any good bike computer will do like Garmin Edge 500. Downloads to the application "Garmin Express". What you do with that data is a whole different question.

wheelsmcgee

I bike and run, and I journal my activities pretty thoroughly... I track time, distance, avg speed (and a few other things). If I had a hr monitor and a power meter, I'd track that too. I find some of the data useful...for example, I've found that when I get over 400 miles on a pair of running shoes, I seem to become more likely to encounter certain injuries...so now I pretty much never go past that on a pair. With biking, its been nice to see my average speed go up steadily as I've been riding more.

Anyway, if you're not seriously training for some event, no one piece of this information would be all that important. My only goals right now are to enjoy myself, keep in good shape, and maintain my weight...journaling this info is a way to make some connections there. I keep my effort pretty steady no matter what i do...Individual workouts are chosen based on my mood, the weather, and time available.

sdmc530

Great answer!!!

CliffordK

Yes,
I try to still be on my bike when I get to my destination

I have a tendency to be a bit late for appointments, so a little extra speed is good. Plus distance. Plus... often have some kind of cargo.

I wouldn't get too stressed about one or the other.

I do think longer, 100+ mile rides (or 150+ mile rides) help build endurance. But, perhaps one needs the short fast rides to build up the speed.

Machka 

Distance on the road.
Time on the trainer.

GamblerGORD53

I focus on a destination and spending the whole day. The farther i go the more time it takes, it matters not, but I am no randoneer staying out all night. I go by myself and may or not see any other cyclist on the way. I pick a nice day and then assess the wind to pick a direction and route. I have lunch after 20 miles hopefully and supper at halfway. I go as fast as the wind and tiredness allows. The more often I do these long rides, the easier they seem. Inbetween I just putter around the city 22 to 40 miles avg. I do make a note in my pocket calendar of these highway rides, could be 70 to 125 miles. My bikes are all heavy, now with IGH.

Fldaves

I like to do both for my training, alternating a marked distance for highest avg mph then for distance the next ride.

Leebo

I ride home from work, usually it is the same distance back in the morning. The question should be, pavement or dirt ? Touring usually involves meals. Eat breakfast, pedal to lunch or dinner?