Back on the saddle after 7 weeks of no riding

[PatriciaK]

So happy you're able to ride again! Just take it easy and ease back in - enjoy every ride to the max !

 

[retiredNH]

So happy you're able to ride again! Just take it easy and ease back in - enjoy every ride to the max !

Thank you, as well as every other poster!
My power output is about 1/2 of what it was before starting chemo, but heck, anything is better than sitting in a chair. Oddly, it's still my upper body that gets tired more than my legs. Go figure...

 

[retiredNH]

Continue to make longer rides with more elevation, progress. What's frustrating though is that my shoulders are getting quite tired on even shorter rides. Last year, pre-chemo, didn't have this problem. I have an Allant+ 8s which has a moderately upright riding position.
Any thoughts of what to do? It's pretty frustrating, because there are some longer rides my legs (and cardiovascular system and bike motor...) could handle, but my shoulders can't.

 

[Snoop]

Continue to make longer rides with more elevation, progress. What's frustrating though is that my shoulders are getting quite tired on even shorter rides. Last year, pre-chemo, didn't have this problem. I have an Allant+ 8s which has a moderately upright riding position.
Any thoughts of what to do? It's pretty frustrating, because there are some longer rides my legs (and cardiovascular system and bike motor...) could handle, but my shoulders can't.

My first thought would be looking into a bike with more upright geometry if that is at all an option for you (not sure how upright yours currently is). It can really make a difference for people with all sorts of back issues (and will take the weight off your hands, arms and shoulders as well).

In any event, good to read that you’re riding and able to push yourself a little more each time!

 

[retiredNH]

My first thought would be looking into a bike with more upright geometry if that is at all an option for you (not sure how upright yours currently is). It can really make a difference for people with all sorts of back issues (and will take the weight off your hands, arms and shoulders as well).

In any event, good to read that you’re riding and able to push yourself a little more each time!

Thank you for the well wishes! We should be thankful for each good day we have, at least for us seniors. I don't think a new bike is in the budget at this point, but you make a good point. I'm wondering what adaptations there are for existing bikes and handlebars?

 

[Snoop]

Thank you for the well wishes! We should be thankful for each good day we have, at least for us seniors. I don't think a new bike is in the budget at this point, but you make a good point. I'm wondering what adaptations there are for existing bikes and handlebars?

Does your bike have an adjustable stem, where you can bring the handles a bit higher?

 

[Snoop]

Other thoughts would be to try increasing your upper body stretches before and after biking? Maybe what you are feeling is some muscle tightening/spasm.

If there is a massage therapist your way, that might also help to loosen upper body muscle tension.

 

[Snoop]

Another thought (sorry to triple post) would be to take periodic stops and stretches. With what you’ve been going through, it might be your body’s way of saying “thanks for the workout but can you go easy on me?”

Think of it as the ol’ 7th Inning Stretch at a ball game.

 

[retiredNH]

Snoop, all good advice. I'm finding some posts about longer/higher stems. Anyone have experience with a higher stem on an 8s that they'd care to share?