Hi RR,

Let me be more specific about what I mean regarding the cadence. Getting the cadence computer showed me that on my usual 30-40 mile rides, my typical pace has been about 95 rpm. I thought I was closer to 90, but I was being too easy on myself and riding in a lower gear. To get to 90, I've had to shift my median gear up one, so I'm generally riding harder in a higher gear. Thus I think of the 95 cadence pace as one in which I am riding in a lower gear, generally spinning more at a lower speed. That's the sense in which I thought of it as a way to lower the intensity of the ride.

I agree that I don't want to try keeping my new gear targets and raise my cadence! As you say, I may play around with it for training purposes in a couple of weeks. But this week, it's lower-intensity riding for me. Today I'll do a 30-mile ride (divided into two parts, 22 mi and 8 mi, so I can stop at my office and do some work there on the way home!), and then a 5k run.

Boy do I hate bricks. But it's so satisfying when you get out on the run and don't bonk.