first 100k but with pain

pease

In preparation for the London ride 100 todays ride ended up as 105k /65.5miles in just over 4 hours . previously longest ride was 55 miles.
My legs felt good at the end and could possibly of done another 20miles if I had the time.

The only problem is a niggling stinging pain in between my shoulder blades which starts after an hour or so . Ive fiddled with stem height and saddle for/aft but nohing has cufed it. Im thinking possibly a shorted stem than then 110mm one at present. Any thoughts ? The pain stops once I stop and get off the bike.

pinarellokid

You need to look and see if the stem is too long or short. When you sit on the bike with hands on hoods and you look at the front hub, is it in front of bars or behind them ??

AllanES

pease wrote:

In preparation for the London ride 100 todays ride ended up as 105k /65.5miles in just over 4 hours . previously longest ride was 55 miles.
My legs felt good at the end and could possibly of done another 20miles if I had the time.

The only problem is a niggling stinging pain in between my shoulder blades which starts after an hour or so . Ive fiddled with stem height and saddle for/aft but nohing has cufed it. Im thinking possibly a shorted stem than then 110mm one at present. Any thoughts ? The pain stops once I stop and get off the bike.

Spooky. I've just done my first 100km ride today and posted a new thread in a different section about having neck pain between my shoulder blades (as if I've been shrugging for several hours) at the end. And is it to do with my reach, my stem length or what.

smoggysteve

Do you move your position around much when riding? Try to vary the position of your hands on the bars from time to time. 4 hours sat in the same way is going to cause anyone aches and pains. I get back ache from time to time if I sit on the hoods for too long. I periodically sit a bit more relaxed and upright and shake off the arms and shoulders.

Monty Dog

Could be simply due to gripping the bars too tight - relax your grip. Check that your elbows aren't locked when riding.

Tb2121

As a physiotherapist it's a common complaint that people get when in a prolonged position, causing a build up of chemicals that cause ischaemic pain. This is caused by the muscles either being in a lengthened position for too long- I.e too long stem/top tube, or the cyclist doesn't have the core stability required to hold that position for that distance. There can be other more serious issues that can cause this pain and I'd recommend seeing a physio who can check your bike position or a bike specialised who can also advise on position and assess you. Hingeing at the lower cervical spine can also cause a similar issue and you may want to look at your head position while riding.
Usual advice I give is slowly build up your distance, do plenty of position changes on the bike, sort out your stem/bike size, do core work, and expect some pain now and again- you've just done 100miles in a fairly unnatural position.

chrisaonabike

I had stinging/burning pain between the shoulder blades after nearly every ride initially. Like you, it went away immediately off the bike.

As time went on, it took longer and longer for the pain to develop, and now it's very rare. I think it's down to being tense in the same position for long periods.

I now take every opportunity to stretch out when out riding. I bend my neck down and move it around, I sit up at lights and stretch out my arms and shoulders.

Mostly the problem has gone away now. Just the tennis elbow to get sorted, which is proving somewhat tricky

pease

Out for a gentle recovery spin this morning when on the hoods the front hub is only just under the bars from behind. I'm guess try a shorter stem ? A 20mm shorter one first off ?

pinarellokid

20mm only seems a little different but it's massive,
Sounds like your stretched out too much at the minute,
Just pick up a cheap stem to try and I'm sure it will make a massive difference

sancho_uk

Firstly Congrats on your first 100k ride!

I also achieved this milestone this weekend (yay me)...

Anyway I used to suffer from this pain between my shoulders and I think its actually a mix of all thats been said..

I managed to stop it by altering my Stem and learning to move my Hands / Body position during the ride..

My Stem was originally too long, I just felt stretched so shortened it slightly and now feels much better..

Move your hands around sounds silly but on the drops you are very crouched... On the hoods still quite aggressive but not as much obviously and then there is the handlebar flat and side of the hoods which will sit you up a little more uprightand straighten you back and relieve the tension on your neck area.. (in my case at least)..

My core strength is pretty good but i think this could be a key area as mentioned if it isnt. How often to move your hands about and alter your position etc is down to you but i know it certainly helped me.. 4 hours in the saddle on Sunday morning and i was fine when i got home.. When previously rides of over an hour was really hurting my neck area!