Yep. That's standard training methodology. To improve fitness you need to stress you're body by riding hard, and it then adapts during the recovery period afterward. Riding very hard every other day is more productive at improving fitness than riding moderately hard every day. One reason is that you can stress your system harder if you've rested a day. These aren't new ideas. There isn't a training book or manual out there that doesn't emphasize the importance of recovery periods.