Rainy Ride Feels Great… My Leg Not Quite
It was a cloudy start and I thought I would beat the rain… but there it was ten minutes in. Hard to tell by this picture but I was soaked. I was out for a good ride after taking a week off the bike.
I took the time off because I tweaked something in my right quad closer to my knee. It happened toward the end of my 201 miles in the 24 Hours of Booty a couple of weeks back. After a few days off, that next week I rode a hard 72 miles and the twinge came back.
I was a bit worried and bummed because I have the Cheat Mountain Challenge this weekend in West Virginia… 105 miles with 10,000 plus feet of climbing. So, on Sunday’s rainy ride my leg felt about 85%. It was tight toward the end and on some of the tougher hills. I got in 43 miles (51.5 km) at a 19.6mph (31.5kph)average. I can’t figure it out. A friend suggested I check my bike fit again… the saddle and my cleat. I found nothing out of the ordinary… so I’m baffled at what this might be. I guess I take it easy this week and see how things play out in the mountains of West Virginia… c’est la vie.
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JEFF– Much appreciated… the frustating part is it’s something I’ve never felt before. Maybe it’s just old age. 
Oh well– with time… I’ll be better.
201 miles on a bike has got to leave a mark, especially if you’re not used to that distance or elevation gain. Consult a sports doc, but in my experience you just need to take it easy for awhile. The hard-tissue injuries (tendons, ligaments, etc) need a long time to heal properly.
Good luck and don’t tweak your knee
I agree with Arlyn. Cumulative training may just be the cause. Some moderately aggressive stretching while you take it easy on the bike, and some time on the foam roller, might be just the ticket to get you rolling with comfort for your upcoming ride. I get something similar now and then, and it usually comes after a period of heavy miles. The roller works wonders.
Good luck at Cheat Mountain.
Take care with injury.
Another small obvious tip: take an extra long warm-up before pushing hard
ARLYN — UNCADAN — WILL:
Good advice guys. I know I need more time… just like all of us cyclists though… I’m a little impatient. I do have a foam roller and I plan to use it today! I thought maybe the time off would help but I know it takes more than a week. I also have to resist pushing myself too hard. Thank for the advice, thoughts and well wishes. I’ll post the details of the ride soon and the profile.
WILL–
I’ll also keep in mind to warm up well on Saturday. I guess I’ll just have Leslie pull me up the first few hills.:) I do know I’ll have a great recovery drink waiting. Leslie’s bringing down a tasty Canadian brew.
Lots of kilometers and pushing hard - niggles are a way of your body telling you that it needs a little rest. I know it sucks. But you’d better listen.
How about a little fun ride, maybe your legs are yelling ouch for a reason.
Oh, and do enjoy the Canadian brew!!! LOL….
GROOVER– I’ve been saying twinge… tweaked…. and you come up wioth niggles… I’m going to have to switch to the Aussie description. That’s too funny.
LAUREL– Yeah.. I’ve gotta take it easy and enjoy the 12-ounce curl.
CHRIS– Rain sucks… but if you get in a good groove and think about your ride instead of the rain … it isn’t so bad. Thanks– I hope so!
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I’m sorry about the pain that you have been having, but your average speed is still incredible!! I hope that you figure out what is causing the problem soon.