How long recovery on new route?
 

Just wondering if anyone has changed their commute recently and had muscle tiredness in quads and feeling more exhausted, and how long does the aching take to subside?
A bit background, I am 48 years old, in good shape, not overweight, I have been cycling 12 miles a day to work, 5 times a week for the last three years, this was on a mountain bike with a light frame and 1.5" by 26" tires, now I have moved house and I have to conquer a very steep hill for about a mile going to work and the rest is downhill and level and the other steep side of the hill going back, my journey is still about 12 miles there and back.
I also bought a Trek 7.2FX Hybrid to speed up the trip, mountain bike was getting tired too, and wasn't using it for its purpose
This is the 7th day of doing this new route.
Any comments?

My only comment, is that I wish to get to your level of attempting to ride to work someday. Good job, I'm sure as with any other new exercise it won't take long. Also remember that when you are using new muscle groups, drink PLENTY of water, and you'll recover faster.

Thanks! It is the best form of exercise for me, it serves a purpose getting me to work, keeping me fit and also saves money! can't get better than that, just at the moment feel very tired from the new route. I drink about 2 litres a day of water along with other drinks too.

Today was my first day of biking, I hope by next week I get to your level. So I will be keeping an eye out on this thread, because I am sure I will get similar results as you HAHA.

Well done on making a start, It is well worth it, My wife says it is the only thing I have stuck with for so long and she is very happy about it.
Just keep going and you will feel the benefits.
If I catch a bus to work when the weather has been really bad, I feel sluggish the whole day. Need to get on my bike each day.
Enjoy..

I don't think it is too surprising that you find the climb more demanding. Just keep doing it. My guess is that in a fortnight or so you'll be as comfortable with this route as you were with your old one.

Thanks! I was hoping for 2 or 3 weeks! That would be ok,
Been falling asleep in front of Tv! a tell tale sign of being tired out, could also be from moving house too. I have noticed that I have been feeling hungrier too, eating more than usual and the weight has stayed the same give or take a pound, so it is obviously burning up a lot more calories too.

I'd say spin more on the new climb until you acclimate your legs to the change.

That said, I'd say riding the same route for 3 year straight is great if you never want to feel strong riding anything else. However if you want to feel (and be) strong on new terrain, you should mix up how you train/commute to keep your body in a constant state of growth and building.

I agree with the others, don't be afraid to downshift more if you don't already. I have a couple hills on my commute that really kicked my ass at the start of this year since I got fat again over the winter. I was pretty huffy and puffy just getting to the top of those hills for about 2-3 weeks, doing it 3 days a week. However, it's gotten much easier since then. Now, while I'm certainly more tired than if I'd just ridden a flat section, I can power up the hills no problem.

It may take some huffing and puffing and you'll probably feel like crap but trust me, it will get easier!

I agree with your comments, going the same route didn't make me feel any stronger even after three years and 10000 miles, as the legs get used to it, I tried varying my route for two days a week going 10 miles in the morning up hills instead of the normal 6 to build up the legs, did this three weeks before i moved, so i suppose I will get used to this route in time. might be good though to mix it up a little as you said and get the muscles to work a bit harder too.