Sitting at work this morning with that nice post-ride glow from the day before… I also have an incredibly tight lower back, buttock and calves.
Why? Because I was on a hardtail. I’ve loved hardtails. For a long time I didn’t have a full susser of my own and didn’t miss one.
The last few years though I’ve been riding full Suspension bikes more and more. Mostly because they’re so good  up stuff and also faster down stuff.
But maybe I just need them (full suspension bikes) now to protect my body…
Saying that, there’s something deeply enjoyable about the pingy-ness of a hardtail. Trying to pop through sections rather than ploughing on. Ultra slow-mo nadgery stuff seems easier as well, I just needed to re-learn that my knees and thighs are suspension units in their own right. Where you’re normally using your legs to push the suspension into the ground for corners (for instance) you may find on a hardtail that you’re lifting and going in “light”.
Part of my problem is my lack of flexibility. As an analogy, if being flexible is a willow sapling, then I’m a piece of 39 year old balsa wood kept by the side of a fire.
I keep promising myself that I’m going to start to stretch every day… but every day seeems to turn to tomorrow or the day after. I think it’s time to bite the bullet, get a unitard and go to Yoga. So Beware.
I can relate with you about the stretching.
But your spelling and grammar leaves much to be desired…
you mean post-ride glow, yeah?
i’m 34 and have committed my self to riding hardtail until i’m 40 – one of those silly self challenges
Hi Matt,
I suggest you have a word with the “journos” over THERE. THEY’RE sure to be able to help out with YOUR spelling as THEIR skills lie in that area. YOU’RE sure to improve by following THEIR advice!!
Sorry – couldn’t resist!! :-))
I really struggle with my their- there and they’re ;[ It is often edited in my columns ;]
Well even I know the difference between there they’re and their 😉
He can’t spell but he’s got something to say. So their.
Mmmmmmm Dartmoor…
TBH- It was a bit shoddy I wrote pre Coffee on Monday Morning and rushed it.
Still riding ahard tail at the grand old age of 44, nearing 45. I find its not so much my back but my Knees the following day. But there again I’m hardcore- not that i’m to tight to buy a full susser as has been suggested by riding/work aquaintances!!