The literature suggests that, even with aggressive carbohydrate replenishment, it can take 24 hours to restore glycogen stores to optimal levels. And practical experience suggests up to 48 hours or a little longer in extreme cases, or when carbohydrate intake is not massive. While hydration may seem like an obvious course of action when you immediately get off the bike, it's also important for the hours after the ride. If you've pushed yourself to the limit, you almost certainly haven't replaced all the fluid you lost during your trip.
Throw your favorite electrolyte powder or pills in your bottle and continue to hydrate regularly for the rest of the day. Fast sugars and proteins will help your recovery, so if you can, drink some juice or chocolate milk before you get home. You may feel like you deserve a drink right now, but a beer after the trip won't help you feel better. Alcohol can act as a diuretic that will actually further dehydrate you, hindering your rehydration process (and possibly causing a headache).
Alcohol also inhibits muscle repair and glycogen reduction, which impairs recovery. Focus on eating and drinking, slowing down if you need to, and staying mentally engaged. Once your body can start processing new foods, you'll begin to recover and recover. The most important part of recovering a bonk is food to restore glycogen stores, so eat something as soon as possible.
Many endurance athletes bring energy bars and sports drinks to extended events, and this helps provide some relief before you can access more substantial food. Your body needs time to repair and recover, so if possible, taking a nap after eating or lying on the couch is the ideal course of action. An important factor in recognizing and recovering from pussies is to keep in mind that you may not be thinking clearly. It's not safe, it's very hard on the body, and taking days (and for some people a week) to recover means that all your subsequent trips are compromised.
The most important part of recovering from a stroke is eating to restore your glycogen stores, so eat something where you can and eat.
