No cycling for 2 weeks, then ...

[ray316]

With the icy cold weather and snow showers l have been limited to going out on my road bike but in the last 2 weeks have did'nt go out on it at all due to the weather...
Then went out on the bike saturday, sunday and Monday and did 15 miles each day and was struggling , my legs were aching during and after each ride and my speed has dropped.
Would being out of the saddle for 2 weeks cause this ! surely not..
Before this halt in cycling l was cycling 20 to 25 miles with no problem and speed was a extra few mph, so does anyone have any ideas why l'm struggling on the bike at the moment and aching ..

 

[cyberknight]

Its amazing how much you lose in just a few weeks , if the roads were clear you should be ok if you dress right.
Mind you i do not have any choice most of the time as mrs CK needs the car so its bike or walk for me, last Monday i had to get off and push at a few sections where the snow had drifted across the road after the plough had cleared it.

 

[Andrew_Culture]

I just had a two week break that was proceeded by a bit of a reduction in commuting and was dreading heading out on a forum ride on Sunday only to find I was as weak as a doormouse with rickets. But we took it slowly, didn't push too hard and got the miles done. I went out again yesterday for a short ride and tried a little harder but my legs still ached.

This morning I tried a little harder still on my morning commute and it felt better.

I guess I'm just advising you give yourself a break and trust the fitness will return. That being said I'm hardly an expert, in fact I barely listen to my own advice.

 

[Pjays666]

I was the same except I havnt been out for a month. Been out twice over the bank holiday and done my 21 mile training run the first one was 6 minutes slower than before the weather turned. My backside is sore again now, surely not normal. I'm doing the leeds liverpool canal for charity in under 6 weeks time (127 miles).

 

[Eribiste]

It's because of what you said! I've been off it for a couple of weeks or so, and it's almost like I'm having to re-train, both in fitness and in the seating zone. How disappointing is that?

 

[ray316]

So is it best to rest for a few days or get back on the bike every day ,,,
What is good for aching leg muscles, E.G creams, heat, etc..
Also what food is good for stamina for bike rides and for strengthening the muscles.

 

[Garz]

A couple of weeks?...

Try since October!! I have managed a handful of rides time permitting but the crap weather really made a balls up of it for me (including the change in lifestyle since my wee 10 month old girl arrived). I have just begun pushing to gain the fitness back but hope to commute to accelerate the process.

My buddy keeps pressing me to sign up for a sportive but its highly daunting knowing your at least six weeks away from any sort of fitness levels to give a sportive a good bash. The reminiscence of a Great Manchester Cycle with 21mph av are a long distant memory...

 

[The Brewer]

Two week off the bike but I did manage a few trips to the pool and I feel okay-ish, legs were aching a little after 30miles on Sunday.
Going to look for a turbo trainer over the summer for next winter

 

[Nomadski]

I also had a two week break and I know what you mean. I did 18 miles the other day and my legs were achy. Undecided what my ride tomorrow is going to be, will play it by ear I think.

 

[kerndog]

i had over a week off after man flue, first few rides were harder work and slower, still are in fact, but it seems to be coming back a lot quicker than the first time around