Originally Posted by
WNCGoater
Point is, I have a difficult time believing people are riding Centuries or other long sub-century rides without experiencing any pains.
Are you experiencing actual
Pain while riding?
Originally Posted by
WNCGoater
my neck hurts. Usually my butt is getting sore, and I start experiencing hand-arm fatigue and some hand numbness
Not to make light of it but you have described some
discomfort unless your "hurt neck" is debilitating during or after a ride. A few hours of any moderately athletic activity like cycling, hiking or even a round of golf will cause some discomfort somewhere. Lack of adaption to the activity and less than optimal hardware like poorly fitted boots, the wrong shaft flex in a set of clubs or a poor bike fit won't help any.
Experienced LD riders have long seat time in for endurance, build power in the hills and wind, have iterations of hardware trials to select what contact points work best for them and so have adapted both to the position on the machine and the physical requirements of riding long distances at a right smart pace. There is no substitute for seat time.
Actual pain while riding or after is a Bad Sign and should be addressed as to root cause and treated, discomfort of some type is inevitable in LD cycling. As we say: HTFU.
BTW: Recumbent riders seem to enjoy their machines although the fervent quasi-religious fervor of a very few in evangelical-mode is indeed a bit annoying, cloying and simultaneously silly. Suit yourself and have it.
-Bandera