The benefits and freedoms of riding slow: what slower cycling can offer the mind and body

How slow rides build strength, endurance and a deeper connection to your ride

Image of four women laughing while enjoying a gravel ride
(Image credit: Getty Images)

My last race of the season wrapped up a few weeks ago, marking the arrival of chilly air, earlier sunsets, and wet roads. For many of us, the changing of the season also changes our riding habits - winter being a time for base miles and building a strong foundation for next year. As I ease into these rides, I’m reminded of how much I love the simplicity of a long, slow ride. No worrying about intervals or pacing—just riding for the sake of being out there. While my pace during these rides is markedly slower this time of year, I’ve found a host of benefits and real freedom in riding slowly.

The most obvious benefit is that by slowing down your pace, you’ll be able to ride longer. As the self-proclaimed queen of slow, endurance riding, I can attest to this fact in my personal riding. With multiple DFL (Dead F’ing Last) titles to my name, including at MidSouth Gravel 100 and Unbound Gravel 100, I know that I can ride forever at a 10 mph pace. During training rides or group rides where I bump up the intensity and ride faster, I tire out much more quickly. I’ve found myself more tired after a 30-mile fast ride than a 100-mile moderate-paced ride.

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