My calves are always tight too. I've noticed that stretching them gently every day for a couple of minutes has really helped. I also, at the suggestion of the lovely TE forum, I also keep my ankles from flexing during my pedal stroke. I realized that as I was scraping back through the pedal stroke, that my ankle was constantly flexing as well to add extra umph to that scraping motion. Now I think "quiet ankles" and that works to keep them happy (as well as my achilles and calf). As for heat, I would apply that only if it feels good. I doubt there's a whole lot of lactic acid hanging out there after a rest week, but apply ice or heat, whichever feels better. Massage is always good, too.