Post ride recovery

[Ricky123]

Hello All,

I am new to the Forum and new to cycling.

Due to injury I have stopped heavy weight training and decided to start cycling. My primary goal is to get down to 12st (15st at present). I bought a standard mountain bike and have been cycling for two weeks with the majority being hill climbs (close to a form of HIIT training).

I am currently cycling about 25 miles a week (combination of roads/dirt tracks). Thoroughly enjoying it, although I am feeling completely exhausted post ride. I can literally sleep for hours after a ride.......is this normal for a begginer? I used to take Protein bars and powders when weight training to help recover from muscle tears but nore sure if I need this after a bike ride as I am not really making my muscles any bigger and want to down size?

What should I be taking as a post ride recovery meal/drink?

Many thanks

 

[vickster]

Milk is good, but you probably don't need specific recovery stuff after 25 miles, just eat a meal and stretch out

What injury do you have? Make sure the bike is set up right as so as not to exacerbate whatever it is. Bar ends are good for different hand positions on an MTB on longer rides

 

[Ricky123]

Thanks Vickster,

I get tendinitis in the triceps, I didn't warm up before a lift and have had a niggling pain ever since. I can lift but not heavy.

 

[PeteXXX]

Are you cycling 25 miles in one ride, or several rides that tot up to 25 miles, and what injury caused you to stop weight training?

BTW: welcome to the forum

 

[Ricky123]

Thanks Pete,

25 miles accumulated over two rides. Eventually I want to get a road racer and start totting up the miles. Will the riding position on this type of bike put a strain on triceps?

 

[PeteXXX]

If you've had an injury, I would hesitate to give you any advice to be honest.
Maybe someone else here has more medical knowledge than me.

 

[vickster]

Thanks Pete,

25 miles accumulated over two rides. Eventually I want to get a road racer and start totting up the miles. Will the riding position on this type of bike put a strain on triceps?

Could do certainly. See a physiotherapist specialised in / knowledgeable about cycling
How are you treating the tendinitis?

 

[tallliman]

Nothing stopping you upping the miles on your current bike but it might be slow initially. Just keep pushing the distance a little bit each time.

Definitely listen to @vickster though about proper advice.

As for post recovery, just stretch and don't overeat. 25 miles isn't enough to really need extra food.