ADVERTISEMENT

    Back on the Bike, Part 2: Bike Pains

    ADVERTISEMENT

    (Note: This is the second installment in the four part “Back on the Bike” series. The full set of articles can be found HERE.)

    Chelsea Coleman

    I have been sore before, but not like this.

    The third day was the worst, I reached for my alarm clock and it took me two tries to hit the snooze button. I stood up and immediately felt the Charley Horses in my legs beginning. It was rough; Bib shorts are my new best friend. This is a little leotard looking thing that has major cushion in the booty region. They are meant to be worn with a riding jersey over it but I usually just opt for long sleeve shirt.

    Bib shorts will only do so much; you have got to stretch before and after every ride. I usually stretch my quads by just pulling my foot to my butt and holding it for 30 seconds. Then I’ll stretch my calves by standing on my front porch so only my toes are on the step and lifting myself up and down.

    If you are really sore when you wake up a hot shower will work wonders, it loosens your muscles and makes it easier to get through the day. The more you hydrate your body during the exercise will also depend how sore you are. During an hour ride I usually go through four water bottles and then when I get home I’ll drink 16 ounces of Pedialyte just to make sure my body recovers from the water it lost.

    No matter how often I ride my bike I still get nervous when I hear a car approaching. My mind races with things like: Do they see me? Are they going to slow down and move to the left a little? Am I about to be hit? I’m not sure that fear will ever go away. The majority of motorists are very pleasant and respect cyclists, but some do not.

    A quick visit to the Ohio Department of Public Services website will explain all of the rules that cyclists must follow. The big one, we cannot ride on the sidewalk, only small children are allowed. As soon as our front tire hits the blacktop we are legally required to follow the same rules a motorists in a car does.

    This includes stopping at stop signs, all traffic lights and using proper hand signals to let other know when you are turning.

    Cyclists are also subject to the same penalties as a regular motor vehicle. We can get speeding tickets and yes it is illegal to ride your bike while intoxicated.

    As in with most other avenues of life, you will run into rude people, motorists will honk, yell and in some cases throw things at you. Take deep breaths and if you ever feel like you safety is in jeopardy pull to the side.

    Photo by Blythe Malone.

    To read more of the “Back on the Bike” series, CLICK HERE.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Subscribe

    More to Explore:

    Two-Mile Bike and Pedestrian Loop Planned for Downtown

    Significant changes could be coming to several key Downtown...

    Second Round of E-Bike Vouchers to be Handed Out

    Another round of vouchers to help Columbus residents purchase...

    Protected Bike Lanes Coming to East Broad Street

    The City of Columbus plans to install new protected...

    City Wants to Hear From ‘Interested but Concerned’ Bike Riders

    Work continues on the citywide bike plan first announced...

    Transportation Roundup: Bike Lanes, E-Bikes, German Village Plans and More

    The city's e-bike incentive program, which was announced in...
    Chelsea Coleman
    Chelsea Colemanhttps://twitter.com/ccoleman09
    Chelsea Coleman is currently a senior at Otterbein University studying journalism and public relations. Her ideal day includes a good cup of coffee and venturing out into Columbus in search of hidden treasures. Adventure is her middle name. Follow Chelsea on twitter @ccoleman09.
    ADVERTISEMENT