Or does it not really matter?

It hardly matters as long as you train. Typically, the body is a bit more "oiled" in the afternoon, and one is typically a bit stronger. Having said that, the competitions that I attend take place at 8AM or 9AM requiring warm-up to begin a hour before that. Also, most organized cycling events take place in the morning. Hence, I would rather train at the same time of the day that my activities (racing) take place.

One good reason to train in the morning is that you get it done, and out of the way. It gets easier as the day wears on to find reasons why training is inconvenient. Also, here in Florida, once the real warm weather commences, we have afternoon thunderstorms to deal with.

It doesn't matter all that much. It has a lot to do with personal preference. If your schedule permits, try both and see if you notice a difference. That's the best way to find out.

I have definately noticed I am stronger in the afternoon, but the race I am getting ready for is at 10am. I also need to figure out how I can warm up before that, given I won't be able to pre-ride the course (mountain bike race). It is hard to get the motivation up in the morning, especially before coffee.

i have tried to ride in the morning for a while now - it just doesn't take with me. i always feel tight and cold. a 10am race isn't bad though - our races usually start at 6am. which just sucks any way you look at it.

I think I'll just go when I have time. some days in the morning, some in the afternoon. On a side note, I have been poking around to see how many calories I burn in a day if I ride for 1 hour and do all of my other normal activities (work, class, walking, etc) and it is up to about 4,000 a day!! I have only been eating about 1,500-1,700 a day!!

Most of us don't have a choice. You go out when you can--morning, afternoon or night. It's better to go than not to go!

It would be optimal to train around the same time of day your race will take place, but once you get to the race adrenaline takes over and you wake up pretty fast.

Hey Trekkie, if you have or can get your hands on an indoor trainer. Fold it up, and take it along. A little spinning is a good way to wake the legs up for a race. Just don't over do it, and make sure to drink a little water after your warmed up. I spin a little before I leave for a road ride. If i'm meeting a group for a ride, I try to arrive early, and go around the block or parking lot for a while.

Good luck in the training, and race.

I like to go in the morning. I love how energetic and alive I feel when I arrive to work, and nothing beats finishing up a hard ride and watching the sun come up.

Other benefits to riding in the morning:
1. As said before, you get it done first thing, nothing later in the day can make you miss your ride.
2. Traffic is almost non-existent.
3. I live in the Southwest, and in the summer I can ride before the heat gets too ridiculous.
4. No sunscreen necessary!

The cons are that I need a light on my bike, and I have to drag my butt out of bed no later than 5am. At this point, that's not too difficult because I am really excited to get on my bike and ride.

After riding a trainer for awhile aggressively and then hitting the road, it feels like I am superman. I did this yesterday, since i was trying to sneak a ride in between rain showers. I was hammering hard on the trainer for about 45 mintues and then the rains let up. I went for a quick 6 mile ride (between rain showers) and it was amazing how it felt. I had never done this before. (ridden seconds after being on the trainer) It was soooooooo easy to pedal on the street and things just flew by.

Same thing happens when I get off a treadmill. I feel like I'm walking at 15mph