Thanks everyone for your responses and feedback. That was fast!
Originally Posted by
ThermionicScott
+1 on using too high of a gear. You're not getting stronger, you're just injuring yourself. Learn to spin.
Please forgive my ignorance, but I do not know exactly what that means. I've biked off and on during my childhood and again recently (I'm 27) but I've never been any kind of hobbyist or enthusiast -- for example I had no idea the seat was called a "saddle" until about two years ago. My hobbies consist more of things like drawing and programming. Actually I'm probably the bicyclist's equivalent of that annoying guy that asks if the computer has to be turned on for it to work.
Perhaps there is a "Lingo For Newbies" or "What Not To Do" sticky here?