Q: daily level of leg soreness

I'm curious about everyones daily level of leg soreness when they go out to ride. When i use to body build i would need at least 2 days rest for each muscle group but as much as 5 for legs. Obviously that was complete muscle breakdown so it differs. so my question is really for those who ride 5-6 days a week with plenty of protein and sleep, how sore are your legs each day you go out to ride? i find that each day when i ride, my legs aren't completely healed, but in order to ride 5-6 days a week they can't be completely fresh from day to day either.

 

Never sore at all, even if I do 5 days/week. Much more likely is heavy legs, where I just feel tired. And that might stick for a day or two. A light spin on the trainer seems to 'wake' them, and make me feel better.

 

I was also into weights before I took up cycling, so when I did start riding I would train really hard, then have at least one day off. As far as I've been told, we're not meant to do more than 3 hard rides a week, then ride easy on the other days . Although I adhere to this, my legs a little bit sore most of the time -- not like D.O.M.S. after doing weights, but sort of tender, and sore to touch.

Lately I've been having two easy days after a hard day, and this seems to help. I'm trying a quick self-massage after each ride, just on my quads, and this has helped most of all.

Are you riding easy on alternate days?

 

i don't know really... easy is so subjective. i think i'm in the same realm as you are nutbag. it's defiantely not DOMS but they're slightly sore nevertheless. In a way it effects my riding since my legs tire on hills a lot faster since they aren't completely healed. i don't do much milage (17 miles a day), because of this soreness. i think i'll try what you do and take short rides 2 days and then a long ride. thx.

 

I'm lucky i guess because i dont need to work anymore and it gives me time to concentrate on diet and recovery. I dont drink ANY alcohol or smoke and I try to eat and prepare fresh food.

I ride 4 days a week at least, if the weather is good, I might ride more. I make sure I consume enough carbs and protein. Pasta is excellent source of complex carbs. Also I try to nap whenever possible and make sure i get enough sleep. I've got an excercise bike in the garage and often i will go out and do an hours spinning late evening (I sometimes get the urge after midnight), i find it helps recovery alot.

 

I also get some leg soreness after a workout that emphasizes climbing. But after a couple of days of riding the flats, or a day off, and I'm good as new.