Hi FM,

The advice given here is good, but YES, it is very normal to have "overuse" pain in the neck and shoulders (and for me, the web between my thumb and forefinger, from riding on the hoods) when first starting to ride a road bike and/or getting back to it after a layoff. I had these pains when starting to ride again recently after a crash laid me up for a few months, but they are gone now, after several rides. I also have a little bit of this pain every spring after a winter of riding when possible, but not as much as during the season. This is on bikes that fit me very well and that I have done centuries and multi-day tours on without said pain, so rest assured, you are very normal.

But definitely, position is important, as is not keeping a rigid upper body, wearing good gloves, and all that. Do give it a bit more time for your body to adjust, though!

Emily