How to ride pain free…
January 14, 2009 | posted by Jon under united states, updates
Unfortunately, I don’t really know the answer to that subject quite yet. It has been a frustrating process dealing with one thing or another since Day 2 of our trip, but I can say things are on the upswing and I’m learning an incredible amount about bike biomechanics.
I hitch-hiked into Durham last Friday with some pretty bad pain in both of my Achilles tendons. I spent Saturday morning trying to find bike shops that knew what they were talking about fit-wise, and luckily I found one. The Bicycle Chain of Durham, NC gave me a free bike fitting complete with all kinds of gadgets, but it really just lowered my seatpost.
While at Rutba House I also did a fair amount of icing and Aleve-eating to help myself out. On Sunday, Lars, Rutba House members, and I went to a church service at St. John’s Missionary Baptist Church in Durham. During the service, both Lars and I were called up unexpectedly and prayed over by the pastor and others for healing and safety. We have yet to find out if the pastor knew about our trip….
Leaving Rutba on Monday made me quite nervous, but I was able to ride the 80 miles to Asheboro without any tendon pain. However, both of my knees started acting up during the ride due to a seatpost that was too low. So now I am back to the process of adjusting my seatpost, taking Aleve, and rubbing Flexall on both of my knees to be able to ride relatively pain free. The pain comes and goes, and it hasn’t gotten much worse or subsided, so I’m just waiting it out. I’d appreciate your prayers and thank you for the concern many of you have shown thus far. I’m hopeful about the situation, because I know that it takes a while to get used to the rigors of bike touring, and because we have built in a number of rest days. Lastly, I guess semi-hopefully, I have 8,000 more miles to figure out a comfortable riding position…..I just hope I find one before I get to Paraguay.
5 Responses to “How to ride pain free…”
• On Jan 14, 2009 James & Emily Akerson wrote:
It’s fascinating to learn of your learning of biomechanics. This is certainly the shakedown phase of your trip. Bravo in working it out using logic, technology, and prayer — all God’s gifts. We’re thinking of you two. Always curious about your lodging and route. God speed. Blessings.
• On Jan 14, 2009 Jim and Ann wrote:
Greetings from Guatemala. We have been a bit “snowed” under with getting students in homes and classes. Thanks for taking the time to update your whereabouts and experiences. We are so sorry to hear about the Achilles tendon and other pains, Jon. We pray for healing.
• On Jan 14, 2009 Brian Martin Burkholder wrote:
The pain and challenges you are facing are certainly demanding. I’m praying for courage and perseverance along with healing.
• On Jan 15, 2009 Lyle wrote:
Just remember, in case the shop forgot to tell you - when making adjustments to your fit - SMALL increments!
• On Jan 15, 2009 PRK wrote:
Jon: You may try adjusting your foot stirrups to permit your feet to move forward a bit, permitting more biking pressure on the center of your foot towards the instep. This should relieve some of the strain on your Achilles tendon. It will be strange at first but that will pass. Yes I have experienced the same issue with Achilles when biking longer distances. That was a few years ago but I remember the pain well.