Long periods in the saddle and physical side effects

[SportMonkey]

I managed to get cramp in my thumb the other week (but that was from eating a whole malt loaf while cycling). Otherwise just aches in my shoulders from the drops.

 

[MrJamie]

Ive never cycled for 10 hours, but 4-5 is quite common. One thing i noticed yesterday after cycling the disused trainline Brampton Valley Way and back, is that with next to no junctions, no shoulderchecking and no hills meant a very static position and getting more achey than normal, especially in my neck.

I change my hand positions a lot (on flatbar), resting on palms, holding with fingers, sometimes playing imaginary piano on the brake levers to keep the tendons moving seems to reduce the problems there.

I also make sure my shoes are quite loose so they dont get too tight and numb when they swell a little.

 

[PpPete]

Changing hand position regualrly helps a lot. On long straight roads with no obstacles try getting low and resting your hands lightly on the "horns" of the brake hoods (almost like a TT position but wider) as an alternative to a conventional on the hoods covering the brakes position.
Make an effort to get out of the saddle for every short climb, takes the pressure of the bum, for a while.
Work on your core strength.
Use one of the many online guides to bike fitting if you can't afford a professional job at LBS

 

[Herbie]

Hi
I did 6 1/2 hours in the saddle on the weekend. and even with a very padded bum my butt was oh so tender - fine the next day.
I get numb fingers on my right hand, - probably leaning on it to hard. - also my shoulder blades get so stiff.

I tend when I stop I give my hands a good shake to loosen the muscles up and swing and streatch my arms to ease my shoulders.
Star jumps are good at easing your back,bum,arm,shoulder muscles.

when I did nijemegan (road march 100miles 4days) we would lie on our backs with our feet in the air to give our feet a rest.

I recommend a Brooks saddle..i used to suffer a sore arse on long rides but not since i invested in a Brooks..don't even need padded shorts now

 

[compo]

I fitted a Brooks some months ago and went through the common purgatory of breaking it in. Later I did this years Dun Run with no discomfort at all.