When should you start & stop a bulking cycle?

[cajunbob]

Well, I have asked the question about what to eat during bulking cycles, and you have all been very helpful.

My next question is when do you all decide to bulk, how long do you bulk for, and when do you stop bulking?

So in no particular order. . .

*How do you decide when to start a bulking cycle?
*How many weeks do you bulk for?
*Do you set a goal of how much weight you try to gain
during a bulking cycle?
*After you bulk, how long do you cut for before you bulk
again?

I know these are generalizations, but I wondered if any of you had methodologies to this. . .look in the mirror and say, "ok I am cut enough, time to eat more!" or if there is something more technical to it.

Thanks for the help in advance,

Cajun Bob