Why do I ache so much?
Discussion
OK, covered 350miles (some of it cold weather as I live in the UK) since last Thursday and I really ache! Am I getting a bad cold or something or is it the bike? I ache down the back of my legs and my shoulder - is riding a sportsbike like taking up an activity or something?!
Anybody else encountered anything similar or am I a pussy?
Rob.
Anybody else encountered anything similar or am I a pussy?
Rob.
I must admit, did the first track day a few weeks ago at Silverstone and by 12 was tired. You will be using parts of your body that have not been used for a while, These GP,BSB etc must be mega fit guy's to do what they do day in day out. Try to keep relaxed that will help.
or you could just be a Pussy!!!!
Cp
or you could just be a Pussy!!!!
Cp
shot2bits said:Yes, common enough. Some of it's down to unaccustomed positions and the effort required hanging onto a quick bike, but a lot of it's due to the fact that you tense the muscles up a lot until you're used to the bike. When I got onto my RSV after my 19 year gap I had to consciously concentrate on not holding on too tight and forcing myself to relax. I still ended up feeling like my head was being pulled off though
OK, covered 350miles (some of it cold weather as I live in the UK) since last Thursday and I really ache! Am I getting a bad cold or something or is it the bike? I ache down the back of my legs and my shoulder - is riding a sportsbike like taking up an activity or something?!
Anybody else encountered anything similar or am I a pussy?
Almost certainly due to the bike riding. You may think that you are just sitting there and making a few minor inputs, but prolonged riding of any sort can cause muscle strain. Even with a fairing and screen there is a degree of wind resistance to overcome - without them it's a battle to keep yourself on the bike. I know it doesn't seem like it, but just try going along at 70mph, then taking your hand off the grip and holding your arm out sideways - that's hard work!
Plus keeping yourself in the same position for an extended period also seriously exhausts muscles - they do not get a break and can become strained. The results, as you are experiencing are stiffness and pain.
They won't last long, but in future, consider regular breaks to allow the muscles to stretch and recover, and the more exposed you are, the more breaks you need to take.
Plus keeping yourself in the same position for an extended period also seriously exhausts muscles - they do not get a break and can become strained. The results, as you are experiencing are stiffness and pain.
They won't last long, but in future, consider regular breaks to allow the muscles to stretch and recover, and the more exposed you are, the more breaks you need to take.
wendyg said:
Almost certainly due to the bike riding. You may think that you are just sitting there and making a few minor inputs, but prolonged riding of any sort can cause muscle strain. Even with a fairing and screen there is a degree of wind resistance to overcome - without them it's a battle to keep yourself on the bike. I know it doesn't seem like it, but just try going along at 70mph, then taking your hand off the grip and holding your arm out sideways - that's hard work!
Plus keeping yourself in the same position for an extended period also seriously exhausts muscles - they do not get a break and can become strained. The results, as you are experiencing are stiffness and pain.
They won't last long, but in future, consider regular breaks to allow the muscles to stretch and recover, and the more exposed you are, the more breaks you need to take.
I knew I'm not a pussy
Thanks, good advice.
Definitely agree with the taking more breaks option. Relaxing on the bike is a huge thing though and can't be stressed enough.
Track days should really only make your quads ache. This is caused by hanging off the bike for long periods and from changing postions whilst on it. Also, if changing direction particularly quickly or if the surface is bumpy you may need to hover above the seat to help take the pressure off the bike's suspension.
If your shoulders or between your shoulder blades ache then you're tensed and need to learn to relax on circuit.
Track days should really only make your quads ache. This is caused by hanging off the bike for long periods and from changing postions whilst on it. Also, if changing direction particularly quickly or if the surface is bumpy you may need to hover above the seat to help take the pressure off the bike's suspension.
If your shoulders or between your shoulder blades ache then you're tensed and need to learn to relax on circuit.
you're not the only one,last summer i rode back from the south of france in 1 day and in total door to door i did 850 miles.It was all motorway and i found my arms were shot by the time i got home.I find to ease the other aches i stop for 5 mins every 1 1/2 hours.Although i'm sure it looks amuseing to passers by but i also do a few stretches and that seems to help when i stop.But at the end of the day i don't think there is any bike that I can ride all day and not get a few aches ... unless i'm just getting old ...
biker said:
you're not the only one,last summer i rode back from the south of france in 1 day and in total door to door i did 850 miles.It was all motorway and i found my arms were shot by the time i got home.I find to ease the other aches i stop for 5 mins every 1 1/2 hours.Although i'm sure it looks amuseing to passers by but i also do a few stretches and that seems to help when i stop.But at the end of the day i don't think there is any bike that I can ride all day and not get a few aches ... unless i'm just getting old ...
Member for 68 months and your first post! Are you a bit shy? Welcome!
hugoagogo said:
I find to ease the other aches i stop for 5 mins every 1 1/2 hours.
is there a way of NOT doing this on long trips? or how far do you get on a tank?
pressing on, about 200kms is a tank full for me, and that's less than an hour and a half
On the motorway i would fill up a bit before 200kms, so most of the time the fill up and rest are at the same time.Even with the odd "need to" stop in between i still did st tropez to calais in about 9 1/2 hours including all the stops.
When i'm on the N and D roads the tank lasts a bit longer, and the ave speed is lower so i stop between fill ups.
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