Stiffness/soreness after a ride

[Tiffanie]

So, on my longer rides, ~30 miles or more, I get really sore and stiff in my neck. Actually, more specifically, it's the prominent vertebrae (thoracic - C7?) just below the neck that gets stiff/sore and lasts for 2-3 days.

I've been riding for just under two months and am wondering if this is this something that will get better with time or do I need a bike adjustment?

[Nanci]

Hey Tiffanie,

It wouldn't hurt to make sure your bike fits perfectly, but I used to get stiff/sore neck/shoulders after riding, especially when I started using aerobars, but it takes time to build up muscles, and then one ride, they just don't hurt any more. For me, it's like I _know_ I used to have that pain, but can barely remember!

Nanci

[DeniseGoldberg]

Stiffness or soreness that lasts 2 to 3 days after a ride just doesn't sound right to me. I'd definitely recommend getting a fitting.

[kaian]

I've had the same problem in the past and still get it sometimes when I increase my mileage. Definitely get a bike fit, but if it continues after that, it could be you. In my case, it's my body. I've found that certain activities such as biking over 2 hours, sitting at a computer too long and drumming (I'm a drummer) all can cause me pain and stiffness from time to time. Stretch while you are on the bike, change hand positions every 5-10 miles or so, and ice the area afterwards. I do stretches and strengthening exercises, too, which really helps! It can help to stretch a little before and to start out with a more conservative position on the bike (more upright) until you are warmed up.

Hope this helps. Good luck!

[Geonz]

What they said and Yo-Ga! Yo-ga! Yo-Ga! I do stretches while I'm riding that really help.