SpokEasy

SpokEasy

Training

Cycling and Back Pain

Cycling and Back Pain ☹️ Cycling and back pain? It seems like aching quads and overworked hamstrings are more likely, doesn’t it? Yet cycling can have its share of back problems. A number of things might cause it. If there is no intrinsic biological problem that would cause back pain on the bike, improper bike fit might easily be the cause. It’s well worth the time and cost to get a good bike fit, such as Specialized Body Geometry. As the saying goes, adjust the bike to fit your body; don’t force your body to fit the bike. Posture is another factor, whether on the bicycle or not. Many of our daily activities are not conducive to good posture. Another possible culprit is poor flexibility. Lack of core strength can also lead to back pain. A misaligned spine, too, can be behind an aching back. And check out your riding style. Style 👘 Yes, check out your riding style; and I don’t mean your cycling wardrobe. Trying to push gears too hard for your strength level can adversely affect the back, especially trying to climb in too hard a gear. Pushing too hard a gear is also putting yourself at risk for knee problems. Prevention, of course, is the best cure. And what about riding with a loaded Camel-Bak on your, well, back? It’s not only the reservoir full of water; to that weight you can add anything else you choose to take along, such as food or an extra jacket. Work up to it, as with so many other things. Don’t wait to use said loaded Camel-Bak on the day of a major event. The unaccustomed load could lead to cycling and back pain. And now, I’d like to get back on the bike! This blog/page may contain affiliate links. “We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.” ABOUT ME I began this website primarily as a way to present the story of how I accomplished a century ride on an adult tricycle. Other riders of adult trikes might want to know whether it’s possible. It sure is! You can read all about it in My Story. I live in New Orleans; and  retired in January 2023. More time for cycling! Website designed by Cecile Levert © This website is the property of its author. DISCLAIMER I am not a cycling coach; nor a health professional. This site is based on my own experiences, opinions, etc. If you need help, please consult the appropriate professional.   FRESH FROM MY JOURNAL No Layout Found TRANSLATOR

Cycling and Back Pain Read More »

Owlish?

Owlish? 🦉 I got owlish today. “Wise as an owl,” the old saying goes; and sometimes we have to emulate that owl. Sunday is typically long-ride day; and I was tempted to push for 50 miles. But I did little riding during this past week; and I had a feeling that it would make more sense to do a shorter ride. So I turned around at a point about 19 miles from home. Maybe that was just as well; because about 4 miles before I got home, a spot near my left knee began to feel strained. That’s not a signal to be ignored; and I don’t want to do anything tht will force me off the bike! I had been riding on the small ring, using a rapid cadence; and I figured it was a good idea to slow the cadence. Gotta be owlish sometimes! I hope to make it to 5000 miles for 2018, road bike plus hybrid. I’ll need to total about 91 miles per week to meet that goal. It looks like the weather during the coming few days will be better than that of this past week, thank goodness. It feels like November now, not February, which will make it a little easier to get out there and ride. And who-o-o knows? I just might hear an owl!  

Owlish? Read More »