1st ride back phenomenon...
 

I've just had about 2 weeks off the bike and my first ride back was like I'd been riding consistently. I felt strong and fast.

2nd ride back and it feels like I've had 2 weeks off...

I spoke to a riding colleague and he experiences the same thing. That first ride back is like you were never off the bike and rides after that are a slog until the fitness catches up.... Anyone know the reason for this??

Its not just a euphoria being back on the bike... My time for my regular commute was good too.

Don't know the "why" buy I've experienced the same thing.

Someone will probably explain it though, if there's one thing I've learned on BF it's that some (most) of the people here are a lot smarter than me.

taking 2 weeks off isn't going to make you any slower if you've been consistently training...

so I should ride once every 2 weeks?

I experience the same; I figure it is that my recovery is slowed after some time away from the bike. So day one with no muscle fatigue, I am fine. Day two with muscle fatigue, ehhh.

This is something I've noticed not only in cycling, but also with weight training and playing drums. If I take a break, the first time back I'm like Superman on steroids. The second time it all catches up. I've finally learned to take it easy that first session which prevents total collapse during the next one.

You realize what you're saying right?

Same here with the weight lifting. After about a month off due to various reasons (exams, lazy etc.) I could lift just as much as I could before when I returned.

Well I was weak and winded during my first ride back after 6 weeks. But I was off because of an injury.