Cycling troubles

Dammitviv

I have been riding my bicycle around the reservior near my house each day to get in shape. I really enjoy it, but on longer rides, or on the days when the wind is strong, I have been getting numbness in my right hand. After riding I have trouble gripping things and cannot coordinate movements such as touching my ring or pinky fingers to my thumb. The numbness fades, but sometimes it takes a day or two, and I do not want to do permanent damage. Any suggestions on how I can avoid this?

Ladysarah

You can and should by anti-vibration gloves. I was required to wear them while using hand sanders at work. If they are available you may find them in the tools section at Lowes. They may not look great but will help prevent further tram to your hand. I had to have surgery on my left hand because of over use. If you do not notice improvement in a few weeks please seek out a hand specialist. I hope this works.

Sharonbed4d

I am not a doctor but I do cycle quite a bit. I have had the same thing happen a few times but normally it is because I have gripped my handle bars too tightly for too long. Although my numbness has never lasted as long as yours. Maybe when you are riding in the wind, your grip becomes tighter? The other thing could be your seat to handle bar height, have you gone to a bicycle shop to make sure the bike fits you? Just a few thoughts but I would see a doctor if the numbness lasts for a day or two.

rfialkiewicz

Occasionally, when you are able too, remove your hand from the handle bar (one at a time obviously) and flex it and let it rest. This happened to me while I was horse-back riding a LOT. It's from sitting in the gripping position for too long or too tightly. Frequently, removing it and stretching your fingers and flexing / rolling your wrist may help. If it continues, try moving and stretching your entire arm. There's a nerve on the inside of your elbow that can make your fingers go numb (bizarreness of the body, I know).

jeffreyhansencarlson

I am a cyclist. What is happening is normal for new cyclists. The reason is you are not engaging your core - you are putting too much weight forward through your arms to your handle bars. Take some of the weight off your hands by engaging your core. It will feel awkward at first, but your hands should really only be 'resting' on your handle bars, not bearing any significant weight.

My advice - ride properly and don't get gloves and other silly things that will simply mask the underlying problem!

Dammitviv

Thanks for the tips. I will try sitting more upright, and not holding the death grip on the handle bars on tomorrows ride. I have noticed I try to pull with my arms when I'm struggling up hillls, or against the wind, which always seems to opposite the direction that I am riding (gotta love Colorado and its goofy weather).

Do you happen to have any suggestions for building stamina for long uphills? I shift down to 2 / 4 or 5, and that helps, but my quads start burning after what seems like a short distance.

jclguru

Try shifting down more and use the granny gears (the small chain ring). Depending on the grade of the hill I'll shift down
to 1/4..1/3 if I have to. Also, make sure you're shifting at the right moment. If you shift to late, its going to be a little harder
to get up the hill.

Don't know what type of distances you're doing, but try and eat something high in protein about 30 minutes before
you start. I like to have a peanut butter sandwich before my ride.

If you're still having problems with pain, take your bike into a bike shop and get it fitted for you (if you haven't already).
It might cost $100, but its better than being in pain and end up quitting because of it.

Doug