He probably meant to say go out with a destination/purpose even if the ride is real reason, instead of just walking out the door and hopping on the bike to ride aimlessly. For some reason having an artificial goal seems to help keep me focused even during the ride... regardless of the distance or goal.
Varies from make the coffee shop by 7:30, to meet date at 1pm crosstown at the club, to reach to the Shasta trailhead with time to left to hike, or making it to the Mendocino coast by noon without getting a speeding ticket, with enough time for brunch. Doesn't seem to matter what it is, just that I have some purpose... even if it's just riding a big circular route with no stops.