why I am cold after cycling?

neiljohn

This is a silly little query, After I have finished going out on my bike, had a shower and something to eat my lower back feels very cold.

I wear a base layer & cycling jersey (if cold a jacket as well) so I am warm while out on the bike.

Is this just me being special or does anyone else suffer from this?

Anonymous

I've noticed this as well, and I suspect it has something to do with low energy levels.
As soon as I've had something half-decent to eat, I'm fine again.

dan6116

I'm not sure neiljohn if you've already answered this but is your lower back properly covered when you lean over on your bike? Maybe your cycling jersey isn't quite long enough?? A simple question but I always have a problem when I'm forced to go out without my cycling specific clothing (with a drop tail), even when I think before I leave that I'll be fine it can only take a millimetre of a gap to get you really cold!

Alternatively I'm with yeehaamcgee, something half-decent to eat + drink.

Anonymous

Dan, I'm still thinking it's more to do with low energy levels. I get this whether I've been running, climbing, mountain biking, kayaking, doing weights, or even just hammering away at my punch bag. The more physically knackered I am, the more pronounced the effect.

Alibran

I often experience this after running (not lower back, but rather a general coldness that's most extreme in my hands - the skin under my nails even turns blue), but had never experienced it after cycling until last night when I had to cycle home from work without enough warm clothes. I ended up going to bed fully dressed, wearing socks and gloves, and losing the layers as I got too hot during the night. This happened despite having a good meal the moment I came in the door.

After running, the only thing I find that solves it is a hot bath. I only have to be in the bath a couple of minutes, and I warm up and the feeling comes back into my fingers. I read in Runner's World magazine this month that it happens because your core temperature drops after completing a run, so maybe the same applies after a hard cycle ride.

dan6116

I get what you're describing Alibran, I just have terrifically crappy circulation (ie: my hands are often purple, I need to be really hot to have normal coloured hands), perhaps you have something less extreme??

Yeah neiljohn is it coldness brought on by post-exercise munchies as yeehaamcgee describes?

Alibran

dan6116 wrote:

I get what you're describing Alibran, I just have terrifically crappy circulation (ie: my hands are often purple, I need to be really hot to have normal coloured hands), perhaps you have something less extreme??

My dad has poor circulation, so it wouldn't surprise me. I do have to make an effort to keep my hands and feet warm. But I also get a more general coldness after I've done strenuous exercise, and I wonder if that's similar to what neiljohn is describing.