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Original poster

downgraded from a car to a bike... day 2 and my body is killing me

15 replies

juicychops · 15/02/2011 13:40

sold my car friday night so did lots of walking over the weekend to get to where i needed to be.

got a bus to my dad's yesterday to pick his bike up (which im borrowing for the near future) and rode it the 6miles back home. This was the first bike ride since 12 years ago!

today ive ridden to the supermarket 3 miles away and then rode 3 miles back with a backpack of food on my back.

my body is aching all over and my legs are like jelly now. my bum is killing me. Ive gotta do it all again tomorrow and the rest of the week to get to work and back

whats the best way to get my body used to this? i run regularly but i don't think i can face it while i feel like this

How long until it gets easier?

OP posts:
Original poster
juicychops · 15/02/2011 14:39

bump

OP posts:
Beamur · 15/02/2011 14:42

Well done you!
I got on a bike after several years hiatus, did 5 miles to work and back - not that hard, but the next day I felt like hell.
I'm not sure how long it will take for you to get up to speed so to speak, but I bet by next week it will be getting easier.

Doyouthinktheysaurus · 15/02/2011 14:43

It gets easier really quickly honest. Padded shorts help, or a gel seat...I use bothWink

I run too but still notice it when I haven't been on my bike for a while.

ragged · 15/02/2011 14:44

Get a rear pannier rack and decent quality pannier bags (actually you can start with cheapo ones from Argos, just be willing to upgrade). I do a lot of cycling and I would not cycle 3 miles with much shopping on my back.
Your legs will get used to it, promise.

Hassled · 15/02/2011 14:45

I can't remember how quite long - but you'll notice a difference within only a few days. I remember cycling up a hill when I first started and thought I was going to die - by the end of the week I was barely noticing the hill. You'll ache, but in a good way.

fridayschild · 15/02/2011 14:48

Another vote for panniers over rucksacks....

When I started cycling to work I knew I had to do it for 3 months to "pay" for the bike and all the kit. My journey is 8 miles. It took a while before it stopped hurting but not the whole 3 months. This is supposed to be a supportive message by the way!

Have you had your dad's bike serviced? Having a bike that works properly, with tyres at the correct pressure, makes a lot of difference too.

halfcaff · 15/02/2011 14:53

Hi just adding my support and agree with the posts so far. Your bum and legs will feel better after a few days, but not sure if the hills get easier unless you are really increasing your fitness! My bike ride to work 4 days a week is quite short but half of it is up steep hills and I have been wondering when it will feel easier (2.5 years so far!)

Doyouthinktheysaurus · 15/02/2011 14:55

It might not feel easier halfcaff but you will almost certainly be faster going up the hillsGrin

JeffVadar · 15/02/2011 16:18

Do make sure that your saddle is at the right height and position.

This is a bit technical, points 1 - 6 are the relevant ones.

Also agree about the panniers.

Beamur · 15/02/2011 18:56

I was chatting to a friend who has recently been cycling more and she has had her saddle changed and the new one has made a world of difference. Having the right kit really does help.

Original poster
juicychops · 15/02/2011 19:20

hi thanks for everyone's responses. im glad there is hope of it getting easier in a couple of weeks. Its the bump thing mainly that is killing me!

the seat is quite a weird shape i don't know if a standard gel cover thing will fit over the top so would have to buy a new seat.. im trying not to spend much money though - hence the downgrade from car to bike

does your bum firm up and get used to the pain eventually?

OP posts:
Lio · 15/02/2011 19:23

Bum kill does fade IME. Think of your lovely healthy heart and well done you!

fluffles · 15/02/2011 19:27

your bum will just get used to it - really quickly, it'll be fine by next week.

and get cheap panniers for heavy loads.. argos sell cheap ones - 'proper' ones can be very expensive.

Original poster
juicychops · 15/02/2011 20:11

thanks guys. i dont think after today i will be cycling to the supermarket to get bits, i will walk to the closer one even though its a bit more expensive and carry it home

il let you know my 'bum kill' is getting on in a few days. its hurting just sitting on my lovely cushioned sofa!

OP posts:
ivykaty44 · 21/02/2011 20:23

what sort of saddle is it? It maybe a road bime and a road style saddle, in which case your bum will take a while to get used to it ....how are you getting on?

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