Lumpy or flat

[Caskman]

Hi all
What's the general opinion from the cycling population of shorter hillier rides versus longer flattish routes?
Personally I've been getting more satisfaction on the lumpier rides as I find the climbs more challenging. Although I did enjoy the flat metric century I completed two weeks ago. What's the best for improving fitness?
So let's hear your views on this subject

 

[Pro Tour Punditry]

Long hilly rides. Fast.

 

[Big Andy]

Much refer the variety of a lumpy ride. Working on building the distance up.

 

[S-Express]

What's the best for improving fitness?

Time in the saddle, on any terrain. Sometimes riding hard, sometimes riding easy.

 

[Roadrider48]

Any!

 

[Postmanhat]

I don't really enjoy riding on the flat for anything more than a mile or two. The terrain/views usually don't change much, and there's not as much to think about in terms of actual cycling. Give me the hills/descents every time, preferably with a lot of turns and variety of surface. That's when the stupid smile starts appearing

 

[Shut Up Legs]

Long hilly rides. Fast.

Time in the saddle, on any terrain. Sometimes riding hard, sometimes riding easy.

Do all of the above, and your fitness will definitely improve. In other words, do hills + interval training.

 

[Firestorm]

Don't live in South East Essex ! Mole hills get categorised climb status round here....

 

[Accy cyclist]

Hills over flat for me every time! Riding in flat areas such as Blackpool and the Fylde is boring,usually windy and a bit like riding on a turbo trainer. Once you stop pedaling you stop. You never get the feeling of the wind on your face as you free wheel down a hill at 30+ mph. How many people say to me "I bet you'd like to live near Blackpool,it's nice and flat for bike riding there".

 

[alicat]

Ride the terrain that you like then you are more likely to go out. That way you will get fitter than not going out. Simples.

 

[Saluki]

Flat or rolling countryside is my favourite. I live in Cornwall so haven't had a proper decent flat ride since May

 

[rugby bloke]

"Rolling" - like what we get in Northamptonshire. Not many proper hills but plenty of little ups and downs to add variety.

 

[Banjo]

I would much prefer a lumpy ride to a flat one into a strong breeze.

 

[numbnuts]

Flat for me please no wind bright sunlight and around 20-25c

 

[iggibizzle]

Hills over flat for me every time! Riding in flat areas such as Blackpool and the Fylde is boring,usually windy and a bit like riding on a turbo trainer. Once you stop pedaling you stop. You never get the feeling of the wind on your face as you free wheel down a hill at 30+ mph. How many people say to me "I bet you'd like to live near Blackpool,it's nice and flat for bike riding there".

I live in Blackpool. The flat is tedious. But it makes you fast on the flat. The endless winds are good for leg strength though. So am pretty fast on any climbs too. Just a shame I can only get to them on a Sunday. Pure flat the other 6 days of the week!