Neck soreness

[Dogmama]

I think I did what you're talking about. I think. I bent my elbows and I felt less pressure, so I guess that's it? My shoulders didn't stay unhunched for any appreciable length of time, but I was more aware of it today.

Try to gently draw your shoulder blades together and down. Also, be sure to unclench your jaw.

[Flur]

Before trying this on your bike, try this sitting in a chair with your hands on your knees, arms relaxed....

To lift your ribcage, first bring your shoulderblades down your back towards your butt. Notice what happens to your chest when you do this. You'll most likely notice your chest comes slightly forward and up. Now bring your shoulderblades toward each other (not pinching though, still comfortable). Your chest will come forward and up a bit more. Your head and neck will be in a more upright position also. This is lifting your ribcage.

On the bike, since you're bent over, this can seem counterintuitive, but doing this puts the neck in a better position. If your back is more hunched, your neck will have to work more to have your head in a position to look at the road/trail. If you bring your ribcage forward and up (ie shoulderblades down and back) your neck will have to work less to get your head in position.

Also, keep your arms slightly bent. This will keep the shock absorption in your arms. If your arms are straight, the shock goes straight to your neck and traps.