Intensity creates important physiological changes in your body and mind that either enhance or undermine your ability to ride and perform well. 

If your intensity is "wrong" the "easiest" part of your ride can become "impossible" to accomplish.  When your intensity is "right" the "impossible" part of your ride can become the "easiest" part, perhaps even feeling effortless.

Athletes equate this feeling of effortlessness with being in the Zone.  Your Ideal Zone, is simply the place where your physiological & psychological intensity is perfect for what you are doing.  The key to riding in your Ideal Zone is learning how to control your Intensity.

The first step in controlling Intensity is to identify where your Intensity tends to be by assessing how it is affecting you physically. Next you will find out where your Intensity is when you are in your Ideal Zone and finally techniques for controlling Intensity.