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: My 13-year-old son is mad-keen on road and track racing, and is quite successful so far. He loves it! He avidly reads all your articles, plus our subscription to Australian Bicycling magazine. However, we haven’t yet found accurate advice on position of the head/neck/shoulders while riding. What’s the correct position for these areas? I…
By Fred Matheny A saddle sore can ruin a ride. Even a tiny zit can begin to feel like you’re perched on a golf ball. Nearly as painful are crotch abrasions caused by shorts that bunch or have an irritating seam. Even the pros, hardened by thousands of miles in the saddle, fall victim to…
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’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…
