That slowing down before a break is always good. I also restart slowly and spin a bit faster with less effort on the legs for 1/2 mile or so. Stops on a ride and I don't know how my ride buddies cope. They always lose me on the hills. Being good buddies they always wait for me and I say so that they can have a rest from the "Over Exertion" they put in up the hills. I get to them and ride straight past taking just a bit of pressure out whereas they have to restart on cold legs and a cold body. I keep telling them to slow down but they never listen
But on longer rides I do not stop other than to refill bottles and take one break at around 65 miles. Take a full bottle-Something more substantial to eat and stretch. Only takes a couple of minutes but after that restart I am ready to go.