Aching much!

[Mushroomgodmat]

when I started cycling regularly my legs ached and felt weak for about the first two months cycling.

Just recently though (4/5 months later), after doing a 35 mile ride, which nearly killed me I took a week off, and then had a go at a 50 mile cycle, in the end I did 55miles and it was no effort at all.

So I suppose theres alot to be said for taking some time out and letting your legs/back/whatever recover.

 

[Willo]

Well done on the 30 miler. As others have said, stepping up can cause aches and strains - my knees have been a bit achey of late which I think is a sympton of doing much more cycling than normal on holidays.

You do need to listen to your body; step gradually and allow time to recover. Saying that, compared to the harsh impact on the legs from running where I need to have days between runs, I've found cycling allows me to get on the bike more regularly but, for example, follow a long or fast ride with a gentler/shorter spin to loosen the legs. I actually sequence my exercise so I cycle or go on the spin bike the day after a run as it seems to help loosen the legs without too much harsh impact on the aches.

 

[FunkyDuck]

Well done on the 30 miler. As others have said, stepping up can cause aches and strains - my knees have been a bit achey of late which I think is a sympton of doing much more cycling than normal on holidays.

You do need to listen to your body; step gradually and allow time to recover. Saying that, compared to the harsh impact on the legs from running where I need to have days between runs, I've found cycling allows me to get on the bike more regularly but, for example, follow a long or fast ride with a gentler/shorter spin to loosen the legs. I actually sequence my exercise so I cycle or go on the spin bike the day after a run as it seems to help loosen the legs without too much harsh impact on the aches.

Thanks! Yeah the reason I am so keen to stay with cycling is because I have had some back problems that means running is a non starter. When I was out last weekend I felt fine, as I say I could have gone further, it was the next day I was walking like a 90 year old and my back was bothering me so I think you are right, I need to be sensible and not over do it, steady progress should help me stay on the bike for many years.

 

[Jimmy Doug]

Another one with back problems! We should start a new section in the forums for it. I'm recovering from an operation right now - I had to have a disk removed or risk paralysis in later life. But all the docs, including the surgeon who did the operation (a renowned back specialist) and both of the physio-therapists that I've seen all say that cycling is good for your back - with some conditions. First, the bike needs to be set up well; second, it needs a good quality saddle; third, you don't attempt it when your back really hurts; finally, and most importantly, that you stretch after the ride, but stretching every day is even better. Cycling can cause tight hamstrings, which pulls on your back and can create problems. With these precautions taken, cycling should keep your back healthy and pain free.

 

[Nick Salt]

Clicky/creaky knees usually means your saddle is too low, but if it doesn't happen on your 7 mile commute it is probably just down to over doing it.


(Yay my first post!)

 

[Wankelschrauben]

My girlfriend and I did something similar on our first club ride, no lycra, no padding, just t-shirts and shorts, out with the B group and did a 35 mile ride.

She hasn't been on a ride so long since, I have done a few more but have to stop now the rugby season has begun. I tell you what though, the following rides are a lot easier and any ride shorter is a doddle.

Maybe I'll be able to go out with the Sunday group, depends if I can move really, back in the front row this season.