[Search for users] [Overall Top Noters] [List of all Conferences] [Download this site]

Conference noted::bicycle

Title: Bicycling
Notice:Bicycling for Fun
Moderator:JAMIN::WASSER
Created:Mon Apr 14 1986
Last Modified:Fri Jun 06 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:3214
Total number of notes:31946

2820.0. "NEED LONG-DISTANCE COMFORT TIPS" by USCTR1::BEALE () Mon Aug 01 1994 14:35

    Relatively speaking, I am a beginner this year and need some
    long-distance tips.  My husband and I commute to work a couple days a
    week (20 miles each way) and take a longer ride on the weekends.  This
    past weekend we went from Milford, MA to the Cape (Wareham) and back, 
    about 62 miles each way.  We went down Saturday, back on Sunday.
    
    We kept the fluids going constantly, stopped every 20 miles or so and
    ate often, so I felt okay in that department.  The parts I had the most
    trouble with were pain in my left elbow, which is a bad elbow to begin
    with, and pain in my left knee.  I know the elbow problem contributes
    to that pain and consequently some discomfort in my back, since I am a
    little off center due to shorter arm extension.  Is there anybody out
    there with arm-joint problems that knows how to alleviate this?  
    
    My second question is about the knee problem...why only ONE knee?  I
    consciously monitored each leg movement and they both seem to be the
    same, but I only get joint pain in my left knee.  I did notice I 
    tend to peddle toes-down rather than parallel to the ground.  Could
    this be a problem as well?  Also, I wonder if it's somehow related to 
    the elbow problem or just an odd coincidence.
    
    I'm planning on doing the Tiverton century in September and would like
    to work on these little problems before I get there.
    
       
    Lisa
T.RTitleUserPersonal
Name
DateLines
2820.1MASALA::GGOODMANLoonaticTue Aug 02 1994 07:3024
    Re.Elbow
    
    Wearing track mitts? If not, the cushioned palm might help reduce the
    strain on the elbow. If you are, how old are they? Is the chamois still
    in good condition?
    
    Re.Knees
    
    Is this the longest ride that you've done by a good bit? If so, it may
    just be fatigue. Still, do the usual, check pedals (make sure spindle
    isn't bent), shoes (make sure that there isn't any nasty lumps inside)
    and cleates (make sure that they aren't worn and are aligned OK). You
    say that you back is pushed off centre because of your elbow. That
    could be your problem. I have a lot of problems with my back and it
    get's worse with age (and I'm only 23... :-(  My whole lower body
    tightens and I have great trouble relaxing my legs. This won't help
    you're knees. Also, you may find that your back being out of position
    is making you leg go in an awkward circle. I have a tendency to lean to
    the left when I'm on the bike and thi scan hurt my right knee because
    it is getting forced into a longer circle.
    
    Have you had your elbow looked at?
    
    Graham.
2820.2USCTR1::BEALETue Aug 02 1994 12:4913
    Track mitts...yes, mine are broken in but not old or worn out.  The
    elbow is from a dislocation from a hang gliding accident (don't ask) a
    few years ago, and I have since had surgery twice...so yes, I have had
    it looked at!  There's very little I can do about the pain in the
    elbow, but it's nice to know I'm not the only one with back pain!
    
    I have done a few long rides (long for me is 50+ miles) but had not
    felt the knee pain before.  The pain didn't start until about the last
    10 miles of each trip (down to the Cape and back).  Once I got off the
    bike, all was well.  It only hurt to pedal.  I shifted into the lower
    gears to spin a little and take the pressure off.  That did help a bit.
    
    Lisa
2820.3MASALA::GGOODMANLoonaticWed Aug 03 1994 06:2414
    
    If spinning the legs faster helps, it sounds like it's nothing more
    serious than general fatigue. Either that knee must be a little weaker
    (possible if you are right handed) or your back is rotating your
    position which is making it tired before the other one.
    
    Using big gears relies on strength. What sor of cadence are you riding
    at for the whole trip? Are you using bigger gears at the end through
    fatigue or are you using big gears all ride? If only at the end, don't
    worry, you'll get stronger as you get fitter. If the whole way through
    try riding at a faster cadence (90-100rpm is generally regarded as
    optimum).
    
    Graham.
2820.4Cadence...USCTR1::BEALEThu Aug 04 1994 14:4610
    I've been monitoring my leg movements over the last couple days
    commuting into work and I think you're right about cadence...I'm
    averaging about 80 - 85, but increased this week.  I can't really tell,
    since I didn't feel the knee problem until about 50 miles into the
    trip each day.  I haven't felt it at all on my 40-mile a day commutes.
    
    Thanks again for the tips, Graham.  Let's hope things improve before my
    first century!
    
    Lisa
2820.5My guessAIMHI::RAYMONDMon Aug 08 1994 19:2418
    
    
    Elbow:
          I had a problem earlier in the year with both of my elbows
    getting sore and stiff after a ride.  I talked with the bike dealer
    and we moved my seat up a little since it appeared that my arms were
    fully extended and didnt have any bend in them while riding.
    Anyways that seemed to do the trick since they havent bothered me
    since.
    
    Knee:
         Well, it could be your seat height and alignment over the pedals
    I would have that checked out also.
    
    Good luck and happy commuting.
    
    MikeR