The power outage continues - mojo in the basement
Today was my first day on the bike after taking a full 10 days completely off. I ran 4 miles yesterday just to shake off the rust. Today I opted to try 2x20 instead of moving into the 30/30s. I managed to hold 96% (269) for the first interval then (as has been the case for the last 4 weeks) fell apart during the second interval. I ended up doing 10' @ 86% (241) and then 5' @ ;82% (229)
I'm really getting discouraged. I feel like I am working much harder and it's killing me to watch my numbers plummet. I'm not sure what to do next. 
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Dave- this looks painfully familiar (like where I was last year, just unable to maintain long FTP intervals).
A few quick thoughts to consider.
1- zero your torque and check the batteries of your PT and PT Hub. I know, that sounds silly, but it is worth just doing a little maintenance to be sure your issue isn't the fact that the PT is now reading a bit lower and your actually still pushing good wattage.
2- Consider breaking down your FTP intervals into smaller chunks that are manageable (maybe do 4x10 instead of 2x20). You may find it a little easier to achieve and nailing the intervals will raise your confidence and your Mojo.
Hang in there Dave!
2 x 20 is alot for a first day back. Don't punish yourself for taking time off!
I agree with Nemo---recalibrate/zero torque your PM. I thought you had an Ergomo? If yes, then recalibrate that offset number to make sure your watts are really what they are. Is this the bike with a new rear derailleur? No rubbing or un-lubed parts to cause more resistance in the drivetrain that wouldn't register on the strain gauge of your PM, right?
Hang in there...you'll be back like a force of nature. I just know it.
x2 on Nemo's first point. I'm troubleshooting a similar problem that's only happened to me a couple times but is disconcerting when it does.
First interval, no problem.
During the rest interval, slow down, drink, recover, etc.
Start the next interval at the same power, but pretty soon realize that RPE (and HR) are way high.
Stop, Calibrate, voila, back to normal.
I've seen a few posts about odd things like that sometimes happening on trainers - we'll see.
David,
Not much to add beyond the basic checks mentioned. One thought I had was getting ahold of another power meter. Not sure this is a good idea but do you have access to a friends ergomo? You don't really want to go to a power tap, or SRM or computrainer as they all read differently. Even the same kind of power meter can have issues but perhaps this will give you a second measurement.
Gordon
So....~280 is your indoor FTP, right? I think you said previously that the fact that you are riding indoors was "factored in." Does "factored in" mean your "best guess?"
Or did you do the 2x20 (2')? I can't remember.
If you do have an accurate read on your indoor parameters, then something is off with the equipment. It has to be. If the equipment is fine, then your indoor FTP is off. That's the only other alternative. There is no way your ability has taken a nose dive like that. If the equipment shakes out, then you'll just need to retest and live with and work off those numbers.
You also know a 10-day layoff means you have a little working back up to do. It'll just take this week, and you'll be back to 100%. You are a superb athlete, Dave. One thing or the other is off, it seems to me.
Keep us posted.
No great words of wisdom for you here but just a note to let you know I am in the same boat...power outages, mojo sightings but still MIA etc. Doing my best to get it done, the holidays killed me and I am currently about to go to the Big/Tall store to buy a new wardrobe!
Hang in there bro...good to see your name in the forum today
JC
However, the one thing I have learned over the years is that my body needs to have these down times in order to realize the gains. We can't just get faster and stronger all the time. It's frustrating, but just know that you will come back and be even stronger after you make it through this.
Plus, this is a good time of year to have these issues. Get it out of your system now instead of June/July/August.
Sometimes I wish I could take my own advice as I swear all the ups and downs of ironman training are going to kill me someday!
x2 on Nemo's advice for breaking down the intervals into smaller chunks. I HAD to do this last year for the last 4 weeks of the OS. In the advanced bike plan we were doing 2x20 twice a week. I did 4x10(1) or (2) if I needed it.
Hang in there. I really don't think you've lost fitness.
I x3 that. Colleen Capper who was with us the first year here did that all the time when she needed to. She won her age group at IM (I forget which one last year), and went to Kona. She is am AMAZING athlete, dedicated and serious. But she had no problem breaking things into smaller chunks when she needed to. IOW, people of all abilities can do that when needed. Colleen taught me and reassured me it was OK from time to time.
Still think you need to rule out improper # on the FT, and mechanicals. Once that's squared away, then we move on to other adjustments. Really want to see you come through the other side of this sronger and better for it!