Cardiovascular endurance refers to the ability of the heart and lungs to effectively and effeciently pump oxygenated blood to working muscles. Proper bloodflow throughout the body is critical to preventing exhaustion while riding.

Cardiovascular exercise is recognized as that which is rhythmic in nature, using large groups of muscles. Examples of cardiovascular exercise include walking, jogging, running, bicycling, rollerblading, hiking, dancing, and aerobic exercise classes. Current recommendations from the Surgeon General suggest that all individuals should perform this type of exercise for at least 30 minutes on most, if not all, days of the week.

Detailed explanations for determining the proper intensity at which you should perform cardiovascular exercise are included in the book Get Fitter...Ride Better.