Quote Originally Posted by Barb
From what I've read, a sore neck could mean I need to raise the stem a bit. I'd hate to mess around with it if my pains are just "beginning of the season pains".
I know what you mean about hating to mess around with raising/lowering/adjusting my bike if my discomfort is 'only' the start of the biking season body adjustments!

After the start of last biking season brought neck and shoulder pain which weren't attributed to stem or seat placement I decided to add additional weight workout to target those areas. The added benefit for me, was that I was in much better shape at the start of upland bird season in September.

I have continued the upper body work and am continuing to see results from the weight work-out. Starting in January I added exercises targeting abs and lower back; after our first full week of spring weather and getting out for bike rides for 5 days of 25+ miles each day, I have not had any complaints from my neck, shoulders or back. My dh on the other hand (who does not do any kind of weights) has said that his back and shoulders were 'sore' after our second ride.

The exercises and stretching moves have also made a noticeable difference in this almost 52-year old body.

Hope this helps!