Really sore thighs......

Calcium in any form is my way of keeping muscles uncramped.
Are you eating less cheese these days.
4 scoops of gatorade sounds a bit extreme though.

"Never Enough Money" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

I've been riding for 14 years and have recently moved from Boulder,
Colorodo to Plano, Texas. My weekly mileage has not changed (although I
may be riding a tad harder in Plano since I'm riding with a group more
often). My weekly mileage is 150 to 170 -- respectable but not
huge.....

In Plano my thighs are always sore. So I'm trying to figure out what's
different.

Some folks said I need to drink more since it's hotter. So I am. In
fact, other riders say I'm drinking much more than they are.

Some said I need more electrolyts. So I've been consuming about 4
scoops per ride. (This might have reduced the soreness a tiny bit - I'm
not sure.)

Others said I need to stretch more. I have been but that makes no
noticable difference...

I've also tried protein shakes (Myoplex lite). No noticable difference.

Oh, and I'm getting plenty of sleep.

Any more ideas?

"Never Enough Money" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

I've been riding for 14 years and have recently moved from Boulder,
Colorodo to Plano, Texas. My weekly mileage has not changed (although I
may be riding a tad harder in Plano since I'm riding with a group more
often). My weekly mileage is 150 to 170 -- respectable but not
huge.....

In Plano my thighs are always sore. So I'm trying to figure out what's
different.

Just to sure: You are referring to muscle pain? Could the altitude
difference have something to do with it?

Never Enough Money said:

I've been riding for 14 years and have recently moved from Boulder,
Colorodo to Plano, Texas. My weekly mileage has not changed (although I
may be riding a tad harder in Plano since I'm riding with a group more
often). My weekly mileage is 150 to 170 -- respectable but not
huge.....

In Plano my thighs are always sore. So I'm trying to figure out what's
different.

Some folks said I need to drink more since it's hotter. So I am. In
fact, other riders say I'm drinking much more than they are.

Some said I need more electrolyts. So I've been consuming about 4
scoops per ride. (This might have reduced the soreness a tiny bit - I'm
not sure.)

Others said I need to stretch more. I have been but that makes no
noticable difference...

I've also tried protein shakes (Myoplex lite). No noticable difference.

Oh, and I'm getting plenty of sleep.

Any more ideas?

I had the same thing going on. In my case, my seat somehow worked itself
an inch lower. Now, I keep a piece of electrical tape on the seatpost to
gauge the seat height.

Never Enough Money said:

I've been riding for 14 years and have recently moved from Boulder,
Colorodo to Plano, Texas. My weekly mileage has not changed (although
I may be riding a tad harder in Plano since I'm riding with a group
more often). My weekly mileage is 150 to 170 -- respectable but not
huge.....

In Plano my thighs are always sore. So I'm trying to figure out what's
different.

My guess is the extra effort. I'm often sore after a hard group ride (or
even just with a faster partner); solo rides are more..."comfortable".

Also, can we assume Plano is a helluva lot FLATTER that Boulder? Your
effort is much more "constant" on the flats -- especially with a strong
group -- than in the hills.

Lastly, saddle at same height? Maybe it slipped down a tad during the move?
(That one's a stretch, I know.)

Bill "I don't mind muscle soreness; it's joint pain that's worrisome" S.

Never Enough Money said:

I've been riding for 14 years and have recently moved from Boulder,
Colorodo to Plano, Texas. My weekly mileage has not changed (although I
may be riding a tad harder in Plano since I'm riding with a group more
often). My weekly mileage is 150 to 170 -- respectable but not
huge.....

In Plano my thighs are always sore. So I'm trying to figure out what's
different.

Could it be you're not habitualized to the difference in altitute yet?

Sky

"Never Enough Money" <[email hidden]> wrote in
news:[email hidden]:

Quoted message said:

Any more ideas?

Perhaps you need to be refitted on your bike. Also, I'll wager you are
doing more big-gear hammering in Plano than you did in Boulder.

--
fnood fneep gnip gnop
http://greep.flood.nit
[email hidden]

Yes, muscel pain. Don't see how altitude could be the problem,
especially after 6 months on living in Plano.

recycled-one said:

"Never Enough Money" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

I've been riding for 14 years and have recently moved from Boulder,
Colorodo to Plano, Texas. My weekly mileage has not changed (although I
may be riding a tad harder in Plano since I'm riding with a group more
often). My weekly mileage is 150 to 170 -- respectable but not
huge.....

In Plano my thighs are always sore. So I'm trying to figure out what's
different.

Just to sure: You are referring to muscle pain? Could the altitude
difference have something to do with it?

Good suggestion. However, I also use a method to make sure my seat post
is at the right height: I scratch a line in it (instead of tape).

chuck said:

Never Enough Money said:

I've been riding for 14 years and have recently moved from Boulder,
Colorodo to Plano, Texas. My weekly mileage has not changed (although I
may be riding a tad harder in Plano since I'm riding with a group more
often). My weekly mileage is 150 to 170 -- respectable but not
huge.....

In Plano my thighs are always sore. So I'm trying to figure out what's
different.

Some folks said I need to drink more since it's hotter. So I am. In
fact, other riders say I'm drinking much more than they are.

Some said I need more electrolyts. So I've been consuming about 4
scoops per ride. (This might have reduced the soreness a tiny bit - I'm
not sure.)

Others said I need to stretch more. I have been but that makes no
noticable difference...

I've also tried protein shakes (Myoplex lite). No noticable difference.

Oh, and I'm getting plenty of sleep.

Any more ideas?

I had the same thing going on. In my case, my seat somehow worked itself
an inch lower. Now, I keep a piece of electrical tape on the seatpost to
gauge the seat height.

You might be right -- perhaps it's just the effort. I used to ride 25
miles per day 6 days per week in Boulder but am riding 36 miles with a
group on Tuesday & Wednesday, 62 on Saturday, and 48 on Sunday -- all
part of the Plano Bicycle Association organized rides.

Bill Sornson wrote:
[snip]

Quoted message said:

My guess is the extra effort. I'm often sore after a hard group ride (or
even just with a faster partner); solo rides are more..."comfortable".

Also, can we assume Plano is a helluva lot FLATTER that Boulder? Your
effort is much more "constant" on the flats -- especially with a strong
group -- than in the hills.

Lastly, saddle at same height? Maybe it slipped down a tad during the move?
(That one's a stretch, I know.)

Bill "I don't mind muscle soreness; it's joint pain that's worrisome" S.

Yes, more big gears on flats rather then 39-25 up Lee Hill, Flag Staff,
and Olde Stage in Boulder.

Kevan Smith said:

"Never Enough Money" <[email hidden]> wrote in
news:[email hidden]:

Quoted message said:

Any more ideas?

Perhaps you need to be refitted on your bike. Also, I'll wager you are
doing more big-gear hammering in Plano than you did in Boulder.

--
fnood fneep gnip gnop
http://greep.flood.nit
[email hidden]

Have you found yourself tuning into nascar and starting to appreciate jerry
falwell ? Might be something be something in the water.

rms

"Bill Sornson" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Never Enough Money said:

I've been riding for 14 years and have recently moved from Boulder,
Colorodo to Plano, Texas. My weekly mileage has not changed

(although

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

I may be riding a tad harder in Plano since I'm riding with a group
more often). My weekly mileage is 150 to 170 -- respectable but not
huge.....

In Plano my thighs are always sore. So I'm trying to figure out

what's

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

different.

My guess is the extra effort. I'm often sore after a hard group ride

(or

Quoted message said:

even just with a faster partner); solo rides are more..."comfortable".

Also, can we assume Plano is a helluva lot FLATTER that Boulder? Your
effort is much more "constant" on the flats -- especially with a

strong

Quoted message said:

group -- than in the hills.

Lastly, saddle at same height? Maybe it slipped down a tad during the

move?

Quoted message said:

(That one's a stretch, I know.)

Bill "I don't mind muscle soreness; it's joint pain that's worrisome"

S.

Quoted message said:

I had a similar problem when I moved from New Mexico (5,000' +) to
coastal California.

In the OP's case, wind and humidity may be playing a factor. Riding in a
peleton with a strong head wind can wear you down trying to keep your
position in the pack. Also, riding in a more constant gear.

I agree about seat height, was it changed during the move?

Chas.

"Never Enough Money" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

I've been riding for 14 years and have recently moved from Boulder,
Colorodo to Plano, Texas. My weekly mileage has not changed (although I
may be riding a tad harder in Plano since I'm riding with a group more
often). My weekly mileage is 150 to 170 -- respectable but not
huge.....

In Plano my thighs are always sore. So I'm trying to figure out what's
different.

Some folks said I need to drink more since it's hotter. So I am. In
fact, other riders say I'm drinking much more than they are.

Some said I need more electrolyts. So I've been consuming about 4
scoops per ride. (This might have reduced the soreness a tiny bit - I'm
not sure.)

Others said I need to stretch more. I have been but that makes no
noticable difference...

I've also tried protein shakes (Myoplex lite). No noticable difference.

Oh, and I'm getting plenty of sleep.

Any more ideas?

there's a big difference between riding on hills & flat wind riding
(assuming in boulder there are more hills). riding hills you can ride more
upright and stand more often without it having a big effect on your
efficiency because if you're going up a hill into a headwind you are on the
lee side. on flats the wind is a much bigger issue and it is more efficient
to not move around too much and to stay low. so you might be working a lot
harder in the wind than you think...or maybe it's just texas wearing you
down like everyone else hehe...uhoh.

Never Enough Money said:

I've been riding for 14 years and have recently moved from Boulder,
Colorodo to Plano, Texas. My weekly mileage has not changed (although I
may be riding a tad harder in Plano since I'm riding with a group more
often). My weekly mileage is 150 to 170 -- respectable but not
huge.....

That's 8000+ miles a year. Exactly what would you consider huge,
assuming you don't race for a living?

Quoted message said:

In Plano my thighs are always sore. So I'm trying to figure out what's
different.

Why did you move to Plano? Did you get married, move in with a woman,
or otherwise create new uses for the thigh muscles? Could that be it?
If so, probably best to get used to it.

Being relatively unfamiliar with Boulder and Plano, I'm guessing Plano
is hotter and flatter (and you say you are riding harder). I'm guessing
here, but I'd guess your effective position on the bike is somehow
different because you are doing less climbing out of the saddle and
your speeds are more constant for a longer period of time.

In terms of what to do about it -- don't professional racers use a
slightly different geometry on mountainous or hilly stages than on
relatively flat stages? This might offer a clue.

Quoted message said:

Good suggestion. However, I also use a method to make sure my seat post
is at the right height: I scratch a line in it (instead of tape).

Ugh, sounds like a recipe for a broken seatpost.

Hopefully YMWV.

Chris Neary
[email hidden]

"Science, freedom, beauty, adventure: what more could
you ask of life? Bicycling combined all the elements I
loved" - Adapted from a quotation by Charles Lindbergh

"Never Enough Money" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Yes, muscel pain. Don't see how altitude could be the problem,
especially after 6 months on living in Plano.

<snip>

When I lived in New Mexico, I was used to cycling at 5,000 -10,000 feet.
When I moved to California, I felt like superman riding at sea level but
I would get severe bonk climbing the local 1,500 foot hills.

You may not be taking in enough oxygen down at 685 feet. Living at
higher altitudes like Boulder at 5430 feet, your body adapts to thinner
air with lower oxygen content. It takes a while to acclimate to a major
altitude change.

Years ago I learned to avoid most muscle soreness by using yoga
breathing techniques both while exercising and afterward. Since then,
I've rarely experienced any muscle soreness.

I'm not advocating yoga or any other similar discipline but the
breathing techniques practiced by most forms of yoga teach you to
completely expand your lungs for more efficient breathing.

There are a lot of theories about soreness due to lactic acid buildup,
hydrogen ion buildup and so on. Do a Google search and from your own
opinion on these issues.

A lot of the soreness is caused by temporary muscle and tissue
inflammation caused by exertion. Occasional aspirin, ibuprofen or other
anti-inflammatory drugs may give you some temporary relief.

Good luck

Chas.

"greggery peccary" <.@.> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

"Never Enough Money" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

I've been riding for 14 years and have recently moved from Boulder,
Colorodo to Plano, Texas. My weekly mileage has not changed

(although I

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

may be riding a tad harder in Plano since I'm riding with a group

more

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

often). My weekly mileage is 150 to 170 -- respectable but not
huge.....

In Plano my thighs are always sore. So I'm trying to figure out

what's

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

different.

Some folks said I need to drink more since it's hotter. So I am. In
fact, other riders say I'm drinking much more than they are.

Some said I need more electrolyts. So I've been consuming about 4
scoops per ride. (This might have reduced the soreness a tiny bit -

I'm

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

not sure.)

Others said I need to stretch more. I have been but that makes no
noticable difference...

I've also tried protein shakes (Myoplex lite). No noticable

difference.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Oh, and I'm getting plenty of sleep.

Any more ideas?

there's a big difference between riding on hills & flat wind riding
(assuming in boulder there are more hills). riding hills you can ride

more

Quoted message said:

upright and stand more often without it having a big effect on your
efficiency because if you're going up a hill into a headwind you are

on the

Quoted message said:

lee side. on flats the wind is a much bigger issue and it is more

efficient

Quoted message said:

to not move around too much and to stay low. so you might be working a

lot

Quoted message said:

harder in the wind than you think...or maybe it's just texas wearing

you

Quoted message said:

down like everyone else hehe...uhoh.

Boulder is about 25 miles Northwest of Denver, Colorado right at the
base of the front range of the Rocky Mountains. North, South and East
are gently rolling plains with lots of wind. West is straight up
starting at 5,300 feet and going up to over 10,000 feet.

Riding in a pack against a head wind or with a tail wind can wear you
out a lot faster than casual single tracking.

I agree with you about riding in the hills vs. the flat lands.

Chas.

Unless you get pulled by riding close behind someone
they should not miind much

"* * Chas" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

"greggery peccary" <.@.> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

"Never Enough Money" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

I've been riding for 14 years and have recently moved from Boulder,
Colorodo to Plano, Texas. My weekly mileage has not changed

(although I

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

may be riding a tad harder in Plano since I'm riding with a group

more

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

often). My weekly mileage is 150 to 170 -- respectable but not
huge.....

In Plano my thighs are always sore. So I'm trying to figure out

what's

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

different.

Some folks said I need to drink more since it's hotter. So I am. In
fact, other riders say I'm drinking much more than they are.

Some said I need more electrolyts. So I've been consuming about 4
scoops per ride. (This might have reduced the soreness a tiny bit -

I'm

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

not sure.)

Others said I need to stretch more. I have been but that makes no
noticable difference...

I've also tried protein shakes (Myoplex lite). No noticable

difference.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Oh, and I'm getting plenty of sleep.

Any more ideas?

there's a big difference between riding on hills & flat wind riding
(assuming in boulder there are more hills). riding hills you can ride

more

Quoted message said:

upright and stand more often without it having a big effect on your
efficiency because if you're going up a hill into a headwind you are

on the

Quoted message said:

lee side. on flats the wind is a much bigger issue and it is more

efficient

Quoted message said:

to not move around too much and to stay low. so you might be working a

lot

Quoted message said:

harder in the wind than you think...or maybe it's just texas wearing

you

Quoted message said:

down like everyone else hehe...uhoh.

Boulder is about 25 miles Northwest of Denver, Colorado right at the
base of the front range of the Rocky Mountains. North, South and East
are gently rolling plains with lots of wind. West is straight up
starting at 5,300 feet and going up to over 10,000 feet.

Riding in a pack against a head wind or with a tail wind can wear you
out a lot faster than casual single tracking.

I agree with you about riding in the hills vs. the flat lands.

Chas.

<snip>

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Boulder is about 25 miles Northwest of Denver, Colorado right at the
base of the front range of the Rocky Mountains. North, South and

East

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

are gently rolling plains with lots of wind. West is straight up
starting at 5,300 feet and going up to over 10,000 feet.

Riding in a pack against a head wind or with a tail wind can wear

you

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

out a lot faster than casual single tracking.

I agree with you about riding in the hills vs. the flat lands.

Chas.

"trino" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:WXNsg.153250$iF6.102468@pd7tw2no...

Quoted message said:

Unless you get pulled by riding close behind someone
they should not mind much

The old term used to be "wheel sucking"!

Aside from the obvious drafting advantage, riding in a pack can be more
tiring than riding with one or two other cyclists if you are not in the
same physical condition as the rest of the riders in the peloton.

If the pack is running faster than you then you'll be pushing yourself
all of the time just to keep up.

Chas.