Originally Posted by
SKYLAB 
I don't think I've ever done a "recovery" ride in my life. If I'm worn out then I stay off the bike for a day and stretch, eat, scratch. Next day? Back on it working it as hard as I am capable.
umd says: You should try them. It is better to ride easy for an hour or so than it is do no nothing.
In theory, yes, it is better to ride for an hour then do nothing. In reality, my 'recovery' rides go something like this... I get out, pedal, relax, ride, enjoy the view, etc. Then I get warmed up and get loose. Then I start speeding up. Then I start mashing and going all out. By the end, I have replaced my 'recovery' efforts with another daily ride.
I have found it better to stay off the bike all-together on 'recovery' days.