Stiffness

There's a lot about bicycle fitting I don't know, and I wish I did. You might want to check with a good bike shop about that -- they can measure you/your bike and recommend changes to your bike's geometry. For instance, it might simply be that you need to raise your handlebars, so that you have less strain on your back. I've found some websites that give general help here; try google to look 'em up.

But my experience is that the first two days of a tour are the most uncomfortable. Sore neck, sore back, sore bottom, sore shoulders. On the third day, all this miraculously goes away. (It might be that the discomfort is getting masked by sore legs 🙂 ) It's something I look forward to, and a major reason why I like long tours....

If the whole trip was like the first two days, I'd be worried. But I just attribute it to muscles getting toned, and adjusting to life in the saddle. The same thing happens when I spend a weekend with a wheelbarrow in the backyard -- a day or so for unused muscles to get used to it.

But like I said, that's just my experience. If you can prove to yourself that it's just unused muscles complaining for a day, it's probably not serious, just uncomfortable. Try to get a bicycle fitting if you want to be sure.

-- Mark

KomokoziJay said:

I have a tendency to get stiffness in my shoulders, lower back and neck on long rides. I deal with it by sitting up, stretching and hydration. The stiffness occurs anywhere from 30-50 miles in and will come and go. Could a change of seat and handle bar position help? (Beginning tour rider)

I have suffered from this problem sporadically, and my bike is professionally fitted and I am very comfortable with the fit.

In my case, the problem is that I tend to tense my shoulders for no apparent reason. Under normal conditions, there really is no need for any upper body tension. I can catch myself doing this now, and work to relax my upper body during the ride when I feel it happening.

Of course, a fitting problem could also cause this, especially if you're putting too much weight on your arms and hands.

I would consider both options and how they apply to your situation, then proceed accordingly.

Good luck!