Adagio means \”at leisure\”. That is what a recovery ride should be; but it\’s easier said than done!

We hear all the time about the importance of proper recovery. The harder you go on your \”hard\” days, the more important recovery becomes. That\’s not always so easy. It\’s frustrating to be on a \”recovery\” ride, trying to stay in heart rate Zone 1, and it\’s nearly impossible to go that easy because of a headwind. Or worse, a stiff sidewind.

In such conditions, just trying to get a drink of water can cause my heart rate to rise because of the effort required to control the bike one-handed. There are times when I have to stop when I want a drink, because the wind is too much for me.

In addition, you might have to get home and get ready to go to work, making it even harder to remain in Zone 1. Thus what is supposed to be an adagio ride could see your cadence increase to molto vivace! Naturally this causes your heart rate to increase, too.

The only solution I can think of is to make a recovery ride very short. In its own way, that is another difficulty. Especially if you happen to have mileage hog tendencies!