Mountain Biking - Yowuch!! Must Be Getting Old

Did my third MTB ride of the season today (we are roadies until it drops below 40 degrees). First two were just to get reacquainted with my MTB bike and relearn/remember techniques. But hit it much harder today. And, wow, are my knees sore tonight. Lots of log jumping, short (<2') drops and short, steep dips and climbs. Nothing hucking here in south Jersey, but lots of fun, fairly good rate of speed and definitely single-track in the woods. Don't remember this the past couple of seasons, so I guess I am just getting old. Especially the ligiments along the backsides of my knees. Have to stop now and go get a couple of aspirin. May even spring for the heating pad tonight.

Why exactly are you a roadie until it gets cold?

That pain in the back of the knees sounds a bit like your saddle was a bit too high - maybe a possibility?

I was out today as well - thowing down tread marks in the snow - buckets of fun.

Because I enjoy road riding more than MTB riding. And that is the exact truth.

And there are far too many ticks (Lyme bacteria) and mosquitos around here in the warm weather. Only just now getting enough cold weather at night to start killing off the little buggers. Hard freezes all this next week will help.

Bah! Lyme disease and malaria build character! Much like diarrhea, vommiting, and numerous other manly activities!

Saddle is too high.

2 words- Bug Spray
your saddle is too high and singletrack is hard.

Too much time on a road bike has made you soft as a baby's bum!

Persevere with the mountain bike and your legs will toughen, your balls will turn into oak, and give the mosquitoes a wide berth. With soft skin like yours no wonder you have a knee problem.

Seriously, sounds like your ride position needs adjusting maybe. Maybe your legs are just taking a knock from the drops and the terrain? When I was a roadie, I had knee problems when I started to off-road. Maybe roadwork does not subject the legs to the same stress inputs as we experience off road.

It if persists, get advice. Maybe sit on the bike again and check your foot alignment and position. You might also be compensating for a problem elsewhere and that could cause leg problems.

You suffer a condition known as TMA syndrome.

TOO MUCH ASPHAULT

I get in a similar situation when I focus on road riding then all of a sudden go for an epic mountain bike ride.