Originally Posted by
locolobo13
There are no junk miles if you’re having fun.
Originally Posted by
tarwheel
The term is misleading, however, for those of us who have different goals in cycling -- that is, enjoying riding, touring, commuting, losing weight, reducing our impact on the environment. In the context of these other goals, there are no junk miles.
Even for a recreational cyclists, it is good to know about the concept of junk miles, that there is an intensity which requires significant recovery but does little to improve fitness.
Knowing about it and having a method (heart rate monitor, etc.) to avoid this type of riding to the extent that it is possible can help avoid injury. I would argue that it could help someone lose more weight and make riding an overall more enjoyable activity. I would also argue that that people who do lots of miles touring would benefit greatly.
Ending the day fresh and ready for the next day's ride instead of being wiped out day after day is certainly something most cyclists would want. People who are constantly overtrained are no fun to be around.
-Tim-