Plateauing cycling stamina=less calories burned?

[redrhodie]

I'm not sure if this will answer your question, but you might find it interesting.

http://www.hotexercise.com/the-effec...many-calories/

After reading it, it looks like as long as you are the same weight and have the same muscle mass, you'll be burning the same calories riding the same distance at the same pace.

I'd be interested in knowing if you are plateauing, and things are easier while exercising, if your metabolism has increased and you're burning more calories when at rest?