Question: I’ve developed tendinitis in my elbows, I think from riding my road bike about 5,000 miles per year. Can you suggest any changes in riding position or equipment that might help? — Chuck T. Coach Fred Matheny Replies: I’ve had the same condition, Chuck — a sort of “tennis elbow” but from riding rather…
Question: I’m a new rider and have improved rapidly. I raced a criterium last weekend and it felt like my lung and rib were attached when I reached a high exertion level. This made it very hard to breathe. My friends told me it was a “stitch.” Can you shed light on this? — Keith…
Question: I’m a 39-year-old former athlete, still in decent shape from speed- and power-oriented sports. I’m also new to cycling. My progress is being stalled by calf cramps, and I’ve been told that it’s because I “ankle” too much when I pedal. Is that straining my calves? — Tom P. Coach Fred Matheny Replies: For…
Question: Last year I increased my mileage to200-250 miles a week and developed serious upper-back pain between my shoulder blades. It still bothers me. My position on the bike is good. I didn’t have this pain until I increased mileage and probably didn’t recover well between rides. Any suggestions? — Mike G. Coach Fred Matheny…
Question: I’m having serious saddle soreness as I build my mileage toward a double century. I bought new bib shorts that might be too large, so maybe they’re contributing. I use a chamois cream on my shorts, but it only lasts about an hour. Then, yikes! It seems like my skin simply isn’t tough enough….
