Recovery Rides

[makbike]

What constitutes a "recovery ride?" After logging long, hard miles what type of riding should one do to "recover?" Should the ride be flat or should small hills/rollers be mixed in to the route? Should one concentrate on spinning and maintaining a high cadence?

[Eden]

the true recovery days in my schedule generally specify an hour of mostly flat riding in zone 1, concentrating on proper pedal stroke (not necessarily spin, but form)

[velogirl]

I recommend easy, flat, small chain ring rides of no more than 45 minutes (zone 1 and 2). keeping it short is super-important so you don't dip into your glycogen stores.

[sundial]

This is a good question. I've always wondered what gear to use for a recovery ride. Thanks Velogirl.

[Andrea]

I recommend easy, flat, small chain ring rides of no more than 45 minutes (zone 1 and 2). keeping it short is super-important so you don't dip into your glycogen stores.

This is also how I "do" recovery rides. I usually stick to the greenway near my house, too, so I can mentally recover without thinking about cars running me over.

[Susan126]

Good to know! Great tips and advice! Thank you!

[ehirsch83]

that is exactly how I have been told to do my recovery rides also :-)