I've read most of these posts and I don't think anyone has suggested that you should keep your rides slow and aerobic for a good while. Just getting out of breath and driving your HR up at this point really does you no good at all. So use an easier gear and slow down your rides so that you can ride longer. Sorry if you already know this but it isn't clear from the previous posts.

And those walks Benge Boy suggested are a nice idea too!