I'm a new rider at 40 years old, I know, mid-life yadda yadda, anyways, I took the class through HD and then went out and bought a 2018 FatBoy. So fun. So happy I did it. I've logged almost 2500 joy ride miles in the last 2 months I've had it. Here's my question: Why do I wake up the day after a ride and my legs are in so much pain I'm walking around like an 85 year old man? WTH?! Knees are aching, ankles hurting, sometimes up through my hamstring.

This bike fits me perfectly bone stock. I am completely comfortable when riding and when at a stop. I don't feel tense and cannot find the source of this pain while riding or coming to a stop. Is this normal? Does this happen to others? Before getting the bike I was running 20 miles a week. Now I can't even sit on the floor and stretch, let alone run.

I'm a typical stubborn *** man, so I keep getting on the bike everyday because I love it. What do I do?!

HELP,
RickyBobby77

 

Snap, Crackle and Pop doesn't refer to just cereal ...

 

Well, if one is not used to riding I can see being a little sore, but not the the extent that you describe. Especially at your young age and being an avid runner. Sounds like you are determined to keep on riding. My guess is, it will go away after a period of conditioning.

 

I appreciate the reply. I have been hoping it goes away and that's why I keep riding. For now, it's all there really is to do. I was just hoping that 2 months and 2500 would have solved this by now. Thanks man! Take care.

 

Welcome! I was thinking that your just conditioning muscle memory for a different way to sit and hold your arms. A different stance the the typical car or chair. If so, then it just takes time.

 

Either the bike isn't set up properly for you or you're too tense when you ride.

 

Like riding a horse it takes conditioning. Try pre-ride stretching and stopping every 30-40 minutes for a quick stretch until you are conditioned.

I have bad knees from football and rodeoing in my younger years. For awhile I had highway pegs and noticed I was very sore using them. I took them off and the soreness went away. When on the highway and I need to change positions, I set the cruise and put both legs up on the crash bars for a few miles. Makes a huge difference for me.

After a year now back in the saddle after a few years off I can run from fill-up to fill-up without issues. But I do stretch out and walk around at the pumps. Hang in there.

 

Could be squeezing the tank with your legs and not realizing it.....

 

You are using muscles you haven't used in a long while when riding, just like anything else, excessive use of muscle without conditioning results in aches and pains. It will go away after awhile.

 

I heard that with my bad ear

OP You are middle aged, out of shape for what you trying to do suddenly and the body is just giving you due greif adjusting to all the new strains riding is subjecting it to. May not think it but you are using all kinda muscles and stretching stuff you never have before, you will toughen up eventually but you're gonna feel it for a while.

I suggest and I'm serious here you find a good workout routine for the winter that makes you use the legs and includes stretching. It will make a difference come spring.