One Week On

[enitharmon]

After overdoing breaking myself in last Sunday (attempted 12km, ended up pushing up the hills and walking the whole return leg) I was more measured during the week, riding a gentle 3-4 km on alternate days only to give my muscles a rest. Just like breaking myself in for running, really, so I suppose that is reasonable thinking. I'll try to include a bit more distance/more hills to the regime each week.

Meanwhile today I completed 5 km, albeit a flattish route with little wind, and it felt ok though I still haven't got to the point of getting home again and feeling it's too soon to stop. On the last leg I'm still wishing it could be over! (I have to carry the surprisingly heavy bike up 32 steps to my flat afterwards).

One problem I have now encountered is that the base of my spine feels bruised and painful. To the point where, as I approach the slightest bump in the road (such as where railway tracks from the docks cross the road) I need to lift my bum from the saddle to avoid a painful jolt. Is this a known problem? Is it my age, or bad positioning on the bike. or just something like the achey thighs that is natural in a beginner and goes away with increased fitness?

 

[apollo179]

After overdoing breaking myself in last Sunday (attempted 12km, ended up pushing up the hills and walking the whole return leg) I was more measured during the week, riding a gentle 3-4 km on alternate days only to give my muscles a rest. Just like breaking myself in for running, really, so I suppose that is reasonable thinking. I'll try to include a bit more distance/more hills to the regime each week.

Meanwhile today I completed 5 km, albeit a flattish route with little wind, and it felt ok though I still haven't got to the point of getting home again and feeling it's too soon to stop. On the last leg I'm still wishing it could be over! (I have to carry the surprisingly heavy bike up 32 steps to my flat afterwards).

One problem I have now encountered is that the base of my spine feels bruised and painful. To the point where, as I approach the slightest bump in the road (such as where railway tracks from the docks cross the road) I need to lift my bum from the saddle to avoid a painful jolt. Is this a known problem? Is it my age, or bad positioning on the bike. or just something like the achey thighs that is natural in a beginner and goes away with increased fitness?

Believe me - that point never happens.
Well done on the 5k and just enjoy !

 

[deptfordmarmoset]

One problem I have now encountered is that the base of my spine feels bruised and painful. To the point where, as I approach the slightest bump in the road (such as where railway tracks from the docks cross the road) I need to lift my bum from the saddle to avoid a painful jolt. Is this a known problem? Is it my age, or bad positioning on the bike. or just something like the achey thighs that is natural in a beginner and goes away with increased fitness?

Are you wearing padded shorts? That kind of soreness will mean you'll put extra effort into your legs just to cushion yourself and leave you with the choice: suffer or tire yourself out.

 

[enitharmon]

I'm supposed to be wearing padded shorts? This is news to me! My new bike has a padded saddle which isn't what I recall from my former cycling days when I had a rather austere hard saddle that nevertheless moulded itself to my bum in some way. Is the world ready for my shorts-clad legs? Especially as the colder weather beckons?

Here I was thinking I could do with some cycle clips instead of tucking my trousers into my socks. And wondering if today's cycling chic scorned the modest and cheap clips in favour of some kind of electro-wonder-fabric-gizmo that did the job with greater style and expense!

Next week I get a lock so that my rides can involve a break at the pub/shops/beach instead of just going out and straight back.

 

[ThePainInSpain]

If you don't fancy padded shorts, then get some padded boxers, then you can wear whatever you want. They do make a difference.

I've been back riding for just over a year, and I'm coming up to 63. I ride a full sus mountain bike because most of my riding is on rough tracks.

When I first started in August of last year, my first ride was 3 kms and when I got off the bike, I couldn't stand, my legs had gone to jelly.

Today I scalped 2 sets of riders (a couple and a group of 3) all at least 20 years younger than me.

Stick at it, it WILL get easier and you WILL go further.

Start off with small distances and just keep adding slowly, that's how I did it.

 

[gary in derby]

Padded shorts put some jogging trousers over the top. Also look into your saddle might be worth changing it. Had the same problem. Got some shorts and still had a problem. Just changed my saddle and a few adjustments, did twenty miles yesterday no problems to report.

Gary

 

[wakou]

re clips. Poundland currently offering "flashing armbands" which are great trouser clips.