Hi there.

What I do to stop seizing up completely is keep moving! Yeah, stretching helps - quads, calves, hamstrings, ITB, hip flexors, lower back, upper back, chest, arms, neck and occasionally even ankles. Also, doing core body work throughout the year helps keep everything stable and strong.

Good sports massage helps too, and sometimes even a chiropractor or osteopath etc.

On a 'recovery' ride day, a ride with no effort helps unwind the muscles and get rid of lactic acid. Even a gentle, short 20-30 minute walk in a flat area is good.

hmm, what else? A hot bath in epsom salts is good, and making sure my diet has adequate basic muscle helpers - calcium, potassium and magnesium, really helps everything stay in check.

And to stretch the mind every now and then, do a different ride - go exploring, ride with a new group, set a new goal etc.