Recovery, recovery, recovery.

Recovery.

Seriously. Be vigilant about rehydration and refueling. Take advantage of the glycogen window and replenish with a 3:1 carb/protein drink as soon as you can, find one that contains glutamine and BCAA's or add them to what you are drinking. Eat something later. Keep off your feet after a long ride. Stretch and roll every night if possible. Don't assume that you can skip this just because you feel good now, or the ride was "easy".

Sometimes "easy" long rides are harder on our muscles because we get lazy about cadence and do more grinding, and we shift positions less often. A faster ride will rely more on our aerobic system, we give the muscles a break by shifting hand positions (hip angle) or getting out of the saddle.