ThinkGoofy

Hello,

So the other day I was riding my hybrid (BMC AC01) on a paved trail that turned into a gravel road. I figured it would eventually turn back to paved trail, but that never happened even after riding for quite a while. Which at that point I decided to turn around and go back the way I came.

The ride was pretty harsh through the gravel part and I felt every gravel. Towards the end of the trip my butt was very sore and my hands, arms, shoulders were exhausted. When I woke up the next day I could feel the after effect. Especially on my elbows. It's been over a week now but my elbows are still a bit sore and makes it uncomfortable to ride my bike for very long.

I was wondering if anyone has any similar experience and was there anything that helped with the recovery?

Thanks!

79pmooney

First thought (because I have run in t this) - when you hit the gravel did you straighten up so your elbows were too straight? Ie, not with a healthy bend. I fond if I go to a stem that is too long or low, I get your symptoms unless I concentrate on leaning forward more so I can get that bend.

If this is the case for you and you find you like that position for gravel riding, consider going to a shorter or higher angled stem or more spacers under.

Ben

fietsbob

locked your elbows too much?

ModeratedUser17082018

Rest, ice and anti-inflammatories.

Being young speeds up the healing process .

prj71

With 28c tires I would have turned around and found a different paved route.

practical

Yup, this happens. If you're going to ride on gravel much, you might want to have wider and softer tires. Also, learn to ride with less weight on your hands if possible. And change how your grip your bar. Do you have padded bike gloves? They help. If I was riding on gravel all the time, I would consider a front suspension bike.

Pendergast

Be careful with your elbows. Ignoring elbow pain can lead to long term problems. I'm speaking from experience on that.

ThinkGoofy

I definitely should have turned around since I was on 28c tires. I may also have ended up putting more weight on my hands/arms unconsciously to avoid the pain I was feeling on my rear end during the ride.

Thanks for all the replies everyone. My elbows are still not at 100% so I'll probably take it easy until they are fully recovered.

ModeratedUser17082018

If you're not healing, look up Theraband. Goofy looking product for elbows but it works. I use one daily to keep the elbow pain away.