Do you have a general recommendation for when cyclists should utilize a recovery drink after a training session? I currently use the Scratch vegan recovery mix when my rides hit about 1,500 calories burned but do I need to think about other factors like shorter higher intensity sessions?
Is there a simple rule to follow?
In general, I’d recommend a recovery drink or a good recovery snack after anything other than a recovery ride.
I’ve always tried to use real food as a recovery unless it was several hours away or I had another event the same day. You should be able to be fully fueled up in 24 hours with good meal choices, IMHO
I am a big fan of real whole food as post ride recovery - either as a snack or a meal. The only time I recommend powders or shakes is if you are on the go away from a snack or meal OR coming off a long hard ride 3+ hour and need to replenish 1,800kJ’s ++
Here is out Post Ride Nutrition Video you may find helpful and informative:
It’s hard to believe given the marketing but absolutely true that whole food works as good as a commercial recovery shake. The only advantage the latter has is convenience.
James RDN 
I’ve found that good ole chocolate milk (Hersey’s chocholate syrup and whole milk) works just as well as any recovery drink on the market and is significantly less expensive.
I think the answer is it doesn’t make a difference. There’s this concept of an "anabolic window" where you’re better off taking protein within 30-45 mins but reasearch says it doesn’t exist
Also personally, I have supplemented with protein shakes for a long time, and have not found putting additional time between my workout and protein (taking it straight away vs taking it 1-2 hours later) to have any significant effect. I would add that I disagree with anyone saying adding a shake won’t make a difference, if you go to continue a workout program and your muscles have not significantly recovered because they haven’t had the fuel they need to rebuild, of course it’s going to be harder?
I would say do what’s most convenient. Good luck with your plan!
+1 for chocolate milk. The ratios are bang on and it’s like 3$ for 2L