Hi I need some help from you guys please, i'm trying to get back into a regular training pattern that includes the road bike and mountain bike. I have previously used the road bike to train for mountain bike endurance events and training on the road bike more often than the mtb has worked better for me in the past. It has been about three years since i have seriously competed and about five years since i have had a propper trainning schedule!

I suppose the question i'm trying to ask is about what kind of pattern suits the body best when building fitness up for endurence events mtb, i know this i a road site but i would appreciate some input on trainning theorys. As a guide i used to ride about 2.5 hrs tues and thurs, 5 hrs sat and 8 hrs sun, with maybe half hour to one hour spin the leg sessions between those days and weights in place of the rides early season. All these were on road exept sat mtb.

I'm not sure which method or structure is best for me to get back into a good pattern where going out on a particular day feels natural.
I have heard different ways of training and theorys that include 1 day on, 1 day off continued in that pattern, or 2 days on, 2 days off continued in that pattern. Or doing one or two big rides a week big ride.

Anyway is it better to do several small rides or one endurance ride if getting back into fitness and competition? My last ride was two days ago, about 30-35 miles on road, took just over 2.5 hrs. I Didnt have a heart rate monitor.

Thanks for any replys!!! I would really like any help.

Mike