Out-and-back or circuit?

[Cyril Haearn]

I like out-and-back routes, prefer them to circuits, the second half seems easier physically and psychologically, helps when going for the full monty (100), one knows the way, one knows any problems/obstructions
Saves brain/map/computer power planning too
And the view is quite different on the way back

Other preferences are available, some try to avoid doing the same stretch twice, even in the opposite direction

Which do you prefer? And why?

[lbomaak2]

Definitely circuits; to the extent that I go out of my way (literally) to avoid my return route going back over any ground that I covered earlier in the ride, apart from short distances within my home town.

[Cyril Haearn]

Why?

[Oldjohnw]

Why what?

I prefer circuits. I like to see more of the countryside in a single trip.

[freeflow]

Definitely circuits.

[Cyril Haearn]

Definitely circuits.

Answer is too short, not as bad as too long , but
Why? The views are quite different on the way back if one retraces+1!

[freeflow]

The answer is exactly what you requested. A preference.

[tatanab]

Circuit, although it really doesn't matter. I remember being instructed (CTC club rides 50 years ago) that a cyclist does not like to use the same piece of road twice in a ride, other than very local or town roads. Even if I am going somewhere with a purpose (possibly a farm shop) I am very unlikely to go home on the route I used on the way there. In some cases where routes are limited by river bridges, it might be necessary to use a part of the same road.

[Navara]

Circuit.
I would agree the view is different each way on an out-and-back but I prefer the variety of a circuit.
The only out-and-back I do is Cap de Formentor,Majorca.Truly stunning both ways.

[Vantage]

Circuits definitely.
Out and back seems like "been there done that".

[lbomaak2]

Why?

Because I have been doing circuits ever since I started exploring the countryside on my bike about 50 years ago, and I'm not likely to change now.

But more rationally, I agree with the others who say that you say more of the countryside doing a circuit than an out-and-back.

[reohn2]

I ride both on the same ride,a bit of it out and back with loop(s) and sometimes even a figure of eight before heading back on the same route I went out on

[Cyril Haearn]

Figure-of-eight, +1, done some of those too
..
If one prefers circuits, does one try to do new ones, or does one repeat familiar ones?

Learned some more here already, +2

[PDQ Mobile]

Circuits.
Because they keep me more rounded.

[axel_knutt]

I prefer A to B, because I don't like the feeling I've cycled all day and ended up back where I started.
Then I prefer circular because I'd rather see more than see less.
I only ride out and back in snow and ice, so that I don't get forced back by a blocked road when I'm close to the end of a long ride.