That Wasn’t Quite What I Planned for a Recovery Ride

After yesterday’s overnight 200k, 3 naps during the day and a fairly good sleep last night I was ready for an easy recovery ride this morning.  Several others agreed to an easy pace when we gathered at the Rusty Bridge and so I wouldn’t have to ride alone this morning.  Well, part of that worked out.

Three of us got to talking and catching up on weekend rides and I noticed that the pace kept increasing gradually.  By the time we were on Old County Road, Chip joined us and the pace kept increasing.  Back on the trail, soon we were moving over 20 mph again and after the turn around, I noticed we were above 22.  Jeff backed off, and as he fell back, so did I.  We continued on, chatting for a time and instead of taking B&A back, we simply remained on the trail.  Jeff asked me once how fast we were moving.  His Garmin had quit working as he left his house.  I looked down, and we were doing 21 mph again.  With some effort, we slowed it down once more.

I’ve noticed that after some long rides, my heart rate seems to be lower for a few days.  This was one of those days.  My average heart rate on this ride was significantly lower for my average speed than it had been before the long ride.  I’ve never seen any explanation for this, and I have only anecdotal evidence for it, but I’m not complaining.  Jeff says I should take advantage of this and ride at least two centuries a week.

I cut the ride short in order to continue with Jeff, ending the nearly 20 miles with an average speed of 17.5 mph.  That wasn’t quite what I planned for a recovery ride.

This Ride: 19.8 miles
Month: 191.8 miles
2012: 3,554.6 miles
Total since 1/1/2010: 17,408.3 miles