Change cycling regimen? (rest days)

boku70

Hi, all.

Currently, I ride my bike six days a week, an average of 20 miles per ride. (My maximum, so far, is 51 miles.)

I'm debating changing over from my one-day-a-week rest schedule to going mileage-based, instead. I'm thinking I would take a day off after every 75 miles. (Which should work out to every three to four days.)

This would have me riding as few as five days/week. But I'm thinking that the additional muscle-recovery time might accelerate increases to muscle mass, leading to higher-quality (i.e., faster, longer) rides on the days when I do go out.

Any thoughts?

thanks!
b

moxette

I think alot of it depends on your goal? Do you want to get a faster average mph? Is it strictly for fitness and weightloss? Are you training for a century ride?

rahven11

I have been trying to run 6 days a week for the last couple of weeks. Last week I ran two days then took a day off from running and just walked. I found that I ran better the day after a rest. So I think it sounds like a good idea. I plan on implementing this from now on.

boku70

@Moxette: I'm kind of wondering that, myself. :-)

I definitely want to build up to a century; I think I've probably got 60 miles in me at the moment.

My secondary goal is not so much weight loss at this point (mission accomplished :-) ), but more body recomposition. I'd like to continue to bring down body fat % and drive up muscle %.

Faster average mph is also a goal, but it will come (as it has been) as a byproduct of the secondary goal I mention above. The same goes for climbing power.

Sorry--I know this is a mushy answer, but anything you'd care to share would be great. :-)

b