rsbob 

Been reading The Midlife Cyclist and decided to put one of the tenants to work. Went out and did my usual 42 mile loop with 2000’ climbing and instead of pushing my self at a tempo pace, I kept it to moderate - trying to keep the average heart rate about 140 instead of my usual 150-160 (max is 189 and I’m 67). Have to say I missed the extra 2 MPH but when I finished the ride I didn’t feel thrashed as usual and am not having leg cramps. Unknowingly did set a PR on one 8 mile stretch and several 2nd fastest times which was a shock since i was far from pushing. Doesn’t make much sense but there was zero wind.

One amazing thing I saw was a guy on a recumbent probably running 25 MPH over the 8 mile segment. There was a 1/4 mile 4% climb where I thought I could gain on him, but and he didn’t slow down for a second. On the downhill side he just flew increasing his distance. It was interesting watching him overtake me, keep building distance and disappear. An absolute first, or I am just getting too old.

bblair

Riding for fun and not to "train?"

Unique concept worth exploring.

Wildwood 

....and not mutually exclusive!

PeteHski

I'm also planning to try this approach on my longer endurance rides over spring.

obrentharris 

I now try to do about half my rides this way.

My way of easing into this was to bring along a camera on those rides, helps me slow down and enjoy the scenery.



Brent

Wildwood 

Take it easy with a bud - pick one that won't bury you in the effort.
One of my rememberable rides was an out and back 50miler w/ old buddy = @SurferRosa.

I think there was a beer slugging competition at the 1/2way turnaround lunch in Concrete?
(hehehehe - had to even the scales for the ride back.)

just another way to take it easy.
luckily, the return slide was to a lower elevation. and without any traffic.

no pics.

BlazingPedals

For 1/4 mile at 4%, the bent rider was probably just using aerodynamics to carry up the hill, pedaling barely harder than on flat ground.

downtube42

Nah, that was just a higher watt/kg rider on a 'bent. The occasional one is out there.

Dudelsack 

Yeah, I once heard about some Legend called DenverFox talk about “smiles over miles” but IIRC he was burned at the stake as a heretic.

Hondo Gravel

Approaching 1,000 miles since 2022 began I was off the bike the last few days due to mental burnout. I’m like why am I doing this? after 2 days off the bike the fire is back. The weather this time of the year where I live is all over the place 80 one day then 20 something the next. Once daylight savings time gets here that will be great. My favorite time to ride is from 6 until dark. I keep bike lights handy in case the ride go into the night. I’m going to cruise easier for a few rides since I’m just riding to ride not training for anything.

I-Like-To-Bike

Another unique concept might be to ride for pleasure, and omit recording performance/fitness/"training" metrics in order to evaluate the value of the ride.

mr_bill

Another concept is to ride to Dave's Fresh Pasta on a Blue Bike to pick up the best damn raviolis, plus a bottle of wine at the packie up the street, for a nice dinner for two on a weeknight.

-mr. bill

caloso

Any training plan worth a damn is going to include a fair number of days of active recovery.

MinnMan

Good for you for doing your regular doing a 42 mile loop at tempo. That's a tough regimen.

My approach is entirely different. During a given week, I'll almost never repeat the same route, distance, or type of ride (unless you count zwift). During the 100% outdoor riding season, I'll ride 5 days/week. In those 5, there will be harder rides and easier rides. Hard: A hard flat-out century or a very spirited 40-50 mile group ride with competitive sprints. Easy: solo 25-40 miles at low HR or a longer group ride, all or mostly at low HR.

Doing a similar distance/route/level of effort every day would cause me to get bored. YMMV, but I say, mix it up - distance, effort, AND route.

Hondo Gravel

Was going to take it easy today but Mother Nature had other plans. 17 miles climbing with a 30mph N wind going against made it a leg burning. But I flew back the other 17 miles with a tailwind in the big chainring. Give and take ride. 34 miles a decent workout for me.