seely

I've been riding to work every day for about the past two months after not riding a whole lot (though in a former life, I used to do anywhere from 100 - 250 miles/week). I've had very little soreness or fatigue, but all of the sudden, this weekend my legs started killing, particularly in the quads, closer to the knee and sides.

I've taken this weekend off and have been walking everywhere, but the soreness is only worse today. I'm sitting on the couch rolling my thighs with a wine bottle and the pain is fairly intense. Any suggestions? I took some ibuprofen, which I take everyday before I go to work, and it seems to have helped a bit but the pain is still pretty sharp. Any ideas why this would surface now, after two months?

late

See a Doc.

cjewett65

If it was in your lower leg i would suggest the possibility of shin splints. In your thighs however, it is possible that you pulled a muscle and are experiencing a long healing process or you could be experiencing upper knee tendon pain, possibly related to a either an improper seat height on your bike or even misaligned cleat position on your shoes. These often lead to rand accute leg pain.

seely

Seat height should be dialed -- it hasn't changed for the six or so years I've been riding the bike, and I use toe straps so it can't be cleat position. I'm stumped. I used to do bike fits and never had a problem with fit on any bicycle, ever, so I'm pretty sure its not a fit related issue all of the sudden. It's definitely a muscle soreness, I know that much.

alexaschwanden

Lighten up on the biking a bit so your legs can recovery.

Papa Tom

Have you cut down on the amount of water you are drinking? As temps get warmer and you sweat more on the commute, you need to increase your water intake for more efficient muscle recovery. Just about every time I've experienced muscle fatigue on the bike, it's been during a period of low water intake. Sucking down an extra few gulps before, during, and after the ride has helped me EVERY time.

seely

That is a good thought -- I haven't usually had an issue staying hydrated, but I'll try to consciously watch my water intake.

doc0c

A few things could be off:
- lactic acid build up: if you're cranking harder than normal, you may be getting less oxygen to your muscles. This causes lactic acid build up, which take a bit longer to recover from than just normal wear and tear on the muscles.
- electrolyte balance: believe it or not, salt is an important ingredient in nervous impulses. When there is a lack of salt (sodium and chlorine), neurons may not fire off properly, causing muscle tears and "charlie horses".
- wind direction: this one should be obvious

Igo

I am on water delivery system here in Las Vegas. When I first switched from tap to delivery I had many cramps and other related muscle issues. Then I discovered on the delivery web site that all minerals were removed from the water and I wasn't getting enough electrolytes. They had an option in the delivery plan where I could order electrolyte enhanced purified water and all my muscle issue went away almost instantly.

JReade

I had my seatpost slip about an inch one day, and I didn't know it. It was fine for the week prior, but it may have been the temperature change, or humidity, but it was for sure lower. My legs were killing me after that week.