Does This Routinely Happen To Cyclists?
 

Something very strange happened to me this morning. I went out at 5 am and started riding my tricycle in the dark. (I have a headlight and flashing tail lights.) I was finishing my routine 5.6 miles, and started thinking about a third round which would be 8.4 miles. My legs were feeling pretty heavy, and there was some pain in my good knee. I was fearing that I would hurt my good knee on a third round. I debated with myself for at least a half mile. When I got to the house, I indecisively pedaled past. After about a mile and a quarter, I was lamenting the lack of the sun(It hadn't risen yet) and the feeling of blessing that I sometimes get riding into it. Then I started getting a sort of feeling of elation. I began to feel like I was rising from the ground, and imagining myself pedaling into heaven. Suddenly, my legs felt light, strong, and powerful! Pedaling became easy. I started pedaling faster, and faster, shifting up. I was flying through stretches in third gear that I normally have to slog through in first gear. There was NO pain in my legs. just strength and power. I flew through that last 2 miles like it was nothing! I didn't want to stop at my driveway, but reason warned me. Once I slowed down for my driveway, I could barely pedal, I was out of breath, my legs were heavy, and they were burning with twinges of sharp pain in my good knee.

My legs are tight and burning, but I would go out and do it again, right now, if I could. Moments like that have been very rare in my life.

I think I am just about ready for 11.2 miles. Maybe. There must be a ceiling for 69 year old legs. I would imagine.

Meh... Sounds kinda like a runner's high. Cyclist high I suppose?

I don't think I've ever experienced the euphoric feelings you were describing... but I've definitely been 7 miles into a ride and felt like I was going to die but then pushed through and felt fine at miles 20, 25, and 30.

You just described what cyclists call a "no-chain day." It's absolutely magical, isn't it? Unfortunately, they are not routine, but fairly rare. At least for me, maybe I'll have one or two a season. But it's such an amazing experience that you'll spend the rest of your riding life chasing those days.

"No chain day." Thanks for the responses, guys! It is going to be a long winter. I figure that I am good into the low teens. Cabin fever shouldn't be an issue. Riding that trike early in the morning is becoming a religious experience with meditation and prayer.

Generally speaking, it takes me about 15 minutes into a ride before I feel like things are just right. Prior to that my breathing isn't smooth and may even be labored, my legs feel heavy and I'm just not in the groove. Once I hit the 15 (give or take) minute mark, my entire body seems to become better suited to riding and I find myself often increasing my cadence and speed.

I don't think I've ever experienced a true euphoria though. However, after a good ride (or even back when I used to run) I often think "this is how I should feel ALL of the time" but I don't. I usually feel very sluggish most of the day.

Sounds like a near-death experience. Did you see a bright light at the end of a tunnel?

Did you see Jesus?

Sounds like your legs were getting "warmed up". You should be able to do the 11.2.

It usually takes me about 10 miles to work out the kinks and get warmed up.

You imagine incorrectly. A couple of years ago I raced against a gentleman who had recently completed a 25 mile time trial in 64 minutes. He was 72.

As others have said, that euphoric feeling doesn't occur often but, the memory of it lasts forever!

Never had any euphoria while riding, or running for that matter. I definitely get it after the workout. I will have days where I feel the same as on any other day riding, but I am considerably faster. I especially notice it on hills. I just have more power and more gas in the tank. Would be nice to perform like that all the time!

I get that once in a while. Thirty years ago when I swam a mile a morning in my 20s I could almost count on it at about 2/3 of a mile, I'd get a warm rush through my body and then the strains and pains (not many at 27) would evaporate and I felt as if a big wave were pushing me on. I'm sure it's your body releasing endorphins. Sometimes I just want to sit up in the saddle and sing, but that would end badly for all involved.

Wow. I suck.

I normally feel sluggish until I'm about 10 miles into a ride. Then I get what I've always called "a second wind" and usually feel really good the next 20 or 30 miles.

I have noticed there are some days that I just absolutely have "energy to burn!" For example, last Sunday when I put in my personal best of 63 miles, I did not want to stop. I could have ridden many more miles but my wife had other plans for me. :( But then I had a day like yesterday where I rode 40 miles and didn't feel as if I could've gone another inch. Not sure what it is. I've thought maybe it had something to do with the temp, but I'm not so sure that's it.

Regardless, those days where you have that extra burst of energy, make you feel like you're Superman! ;)

You, my friend, just experienced an endorphin high. I used to get them about every ride when I really pushed myself and always as a licensed racer. You are right, you kind of leave your bicycle and almost as if you are just flying along watching yourself ride. Absolutely the best feeling you can have. I have had had 3 near death experiences and they pretty similar to each other less the glowing soft lights. Now that I'm in my 60's it's hard to get the endorphins to kick in darn it!

This has happened to me also. Feeling sluggish at the beginning of a ride only to get stronger and happier as the ride progresses. Sometimes you just have to persist for things to improve.

No - you are just getting started. You will have to start training now to be able to do a 23 mph time trials by the time you are 72, though.

I've had the euphoric feeling! Not often but from time to time.... maybe once or twice a season. I don't know what causes it... but it might be a good time to hydrate.

My warm-up time seems to vary greatly. Maybe I am feeling "right" in ten minutes..... other times it may take 8-10 miles. I pay close attention to my body's feed-back and what it is telling me, as far as what my body is in condition or ready for. It is good to push your body.... it is also bad to push too hard or too far too soon. We should all have coach's... I think.

I chatted with an older gentleman (89) once who said he rode 3 miles every morning (mostly on a trainer when not in Florida). He contributed his good health and longevity to his diet and healthy lifestyle. He seemed like a pretty happy old guy. Apparently.... for him... 3 miles was the perfect amount of riding. Set your mileage and your speed based on YOUR body... and what works best for YOU.

It happens to me, usually right before I notice the tailwind.

Sell the story to Readers Digest.

My right knee it telling me that tomorrow is a 2.8 mile day, and that I had better control my enthusiasm. We will see. So much is suddenly so good right now! A lot of people I know need prayers. Praying for them makes ME feel better. I just hope that it helps them. Many people I know would be happier if they just rode a bike every morning.

I'm just a kid, a full ten years younger than you. I go through stages on ride a that go from "What the hell am I doing?" to "I want to quit" to "This isn't so bad" to What was I worried about". When My feet start to burn is when it's time to turn around, and if it is really far, make it to the train station.

Any transfusions recently? You could be doping and not even know it...just like lance ;)

^^^ This. It takes me up to ten miles to warm up. Until the legs are warmed up, the feeling is just like you describe, my legs feel heavy and I'm breathing hard to maintain a slow pace. Once warmed up, my HR is able to rise without a perceptible increase in effort, and I'm going faster while my perceived exertion level is less.

Of course, the other factor is the wind. It's said that the opposite of a headwind is a 'good day.' It's never called a 'tailwind.'

Yes I have that but not often. It's great isn't it? The bike becomes easy to pedal, you enjoy your surroundings and have a feeling of great contentment. And like somebody said you'll chase that feeling the rest of your life.