Sore legs

[fossyant]

Its fairly normal for pain after, so long as it goes away, when you are doing something new. It's the 48 hour burn - you feel it a day or two later. The more you ride, the less this gets.

It's the same with commuting. If you are used to lots of miles, but not too many stops, going to a commute with lots of starts and stops in an urban commute, then it's a killer for months. Typical sore muscles are from a gym session. You'll be stiff and sore 48 hours after.

 

[Dave 123]

Stretch- whilst riding and off the bike.
Drink plenty- milk post ride.

 

[Nigelnaturist]

Sore muscles are the result of a build up of lactic acid and stuff (too technical?) the body uses to aid recovery and replace muscle lost in the effort and is perfectly normal. I don't think it is necessary to fully recover before you go again but make sure you warm up properly and stretch when warm, massage will help.

As far as I an aware the ache after a ride is damaged muscle tissue repairing itself after exercise, lactic acid build up is what you get when push beyond your limits whilst climbing for instance, which will quickly disperse.

 

[ayceejay]

I was trying to keep it simple Nige to assure the OP that it is normal. DOMS are an interesting phenomenon and we are learning as we go about causes and effects.

 

[Gravity Aided]

I've sometimes found a bit of Icy-Hot or some other liniment helps a little. Calcium, as in milk, also helps in this and the prevention of cramps, as does tonic water with quinine. The gin does not hurt a bit either, IIRC.