Originally Posted by
tds101
Stretching isn't just a relaxing after exercise endeavor, it's a necessity. It helps prevent muscle tears and sprains, helps with joint mobility and flexibility, and helps to keep us active, even as we get older. Most don't do any stretching after a bike ride. Even if it's a casual ride, it's still exercise.
Definitely stretching before and after any activity is even more important as we get older. Another consideration is to try to do the activity as frequent as possible - for instance daily - wherever possible. Doing weekend 100's get harder and more likely to injury if there are no rides during the week to keep the body running properly.