Mountain Biking - Should I stretch before riding?

Do you guys recommend stretching before I ride? Also what kind of stretches should I do?

I only usually tend to strech before I go running since it is harder on my muscles. I will stretch before I ride if I have ran in the past few days as my muscles tend to get tight since I don't run everyday. I would stretch if you are noticing muscle aches at the end of your rides. for example, like lower back, arms or neck. I think loosening up before a ride definitely wouldn't hurt a bit to make sure your muscles aren't tight and that you don't cramp up on a huge hill.

My lower back and right knee were a little sore so maybe stretching is a good idea.

It feels good to stretch...i feel more flexable after.

What kind of stretches should I do though?

Originally posted by Cyclone
What kind of stretches should I do though?

You should do stretching for your entire body. This promotes blood flow to the muscles, glands. and internal organs. Any book store will have books on stretching. The book "Serious Cycling", by Ed Burke, has a section on stretches for the cyclist.

you should never stretch cold muscles. warm up first.

A slow warm-up ride of a couple of miles is part of my stretching. I will do that first and then take a little time to stretch. I have tried stretching before a ride and found that it does little to nothing for my flexibility later on. However stretching after riding a few miles usually does wonders. Also, taking some time to hop off the bike and stretching every so often during a ride is a good way to relieve/fight fatigue, cramps and soreness.

According to the guidelines set by the American College of Sports Medicine, you should NEVER stretch cold muscles. Rather, take the time to warm up the muscles- like 5 to 10 minutes depending on how long you'll be exercising, then stretch the muscles you will be using. Never bounce when you stretch- hold the stretch 10- 30 seconds.

Koffee

I jog in big circles (baseball field) for about 5 laps. Then I stretch, mostly quad and hamstrings. I also stretch arms and back a little.

Originally posted by The Bishop
you should never stretch cold muscles. warm up first.
Yes indeed! You can do more damage to muscles while stretching without a worm up then not stretching at all. Long story short, worm up first then stretch!

Originally posted by Chuvak
Long story short, worm up first then stretch!

As in tapeworms? :D

http://journals.neebu.net/khuon/archives/2000_09.html

After a 5-10minute warmup, spinning in a low gear, you can stand on your pedals and let your heels slowly sink down. This will stretch the back of your legs. If you then gradually bend over it will stretch your legs and back more. NEVER do this with a bounce or you will tear a muscle.
You can also do a cat-stretch, arching your back as you stand. I find that these are enough to get me loose.

Originally posted by The Bishop
you should never stretch cold muscles. warm up first.

I was hoping someone was going to say that!! Not a good idea to stretch cold muscles!

Take Care

My mistake, I only read down as far as the person that I quoted and then posted. After going back and reading it I found a bunch of other posts saying the same thing. Sorry not trying to be repetetive!!

Take Care