Lazyass

As the title says. When I go on a long group ride I'll start getting hot spots around mile 55. Happened today on a 100K charity ride. And I even tell myself to keep my feet relaxed. But when I ride solo it's a non-issue, I'll do a 60 miler at least once a month, usually more. And when I ride solo I push it harder since obviously I'm not drafting anyone or coasting much. Doesn't matter what shoes I wear (I have three pairs currently) or cleat position and my nails are clipped. Kind of weird. It has to be something I'm doing different in a group. Any suggestions?

datlas 

I don't have a great solution, but is there a chance that you are pushing yourself harder on the group rides? I know I need the pressure of strong riders to push my hardest. On solo rides, I am a little more relaxed and don't push quite as hard.

Lazyass

Well, I guess I may push it harder on group rides, but of course I do a lot of coasting or slow pedaling in the pack that I don't do solo.

hairnet

I'm the other way around. On group rides I'm a little distracted I don't think about my comfort too much and all goes well. On my own I start to think about every little bit of discomfort and I convince myself that my cleats aren't adjust or my saddle is at a bad angle etc.

Lazyass

I don't know, maybe I'll try some different insoles or something.

jsigone

might have something to do with tension over toes.

what pedals? something with a larger cleat might help

gregf83 

I hate to say this, but try focusing on pedaling in circles. You're likely putting more pressure on your feed at times as you try and keep pace with the group. Concentrate on unweighting the pedal on the upstroke and pulling back when the pedal is at 6 o'clock.

Slackerprince

Kind of what I was thinking. Keeping pace might cause you to mash a little more.
I use Specialized insoles. They helped a lot with my plantar fasciitis.

S

hueyhoolihan

whatever it is, you appear to be on the verge of bruising the sole of your feet when cycling. i'd look into stiffer soled shoes. but hold on to your hat, you may be in for sticker shock.

FLvector

Sounds to me like this is an issue with lack of circulation in the feet. As mentioned, focus on pedaling in circles and unweighting the foot on the upstroke to allow the foot to move around a bit. Also, if you have enough room wiggle your toes to allow the blood to circulate in the bottom of the feet. You could experiment with different thickness socks and change how tight the straps are on your shoes. Of course, getting off the bike and walking some helps, but that usually isn't an option in a group ride unless you have a scheduled stop.

basqueonacaad

I have in the past had many issues with hot feet. I have found that hot feet, for me anyways, occurs when one of the following three aspects are not satisfied.
1 - Arch support. I used to suffer a great deal of hot foot. After searching the interwebs for a great deal of time, I found a suggestion from Steve Hogg to utilize shoe inserts which provided moderately intrusive arch support. For me, it worked. I have been doing this for years and have not experienced any secondary problems associated with the intrusive arch supports. In fact, I don't even notice them anymore. You may consider this. Here is a link to his page. Many find him a bit esoteric and "fringe" but I can attest, albeit for myself only, that it worked. FOOT CORRECTION part 1: ARCH SUPPORT » Bike Fit » Feet » Steve Hogg's Bike Fitting Website
2- Toe dip. I tend to excessively toe dip. When I do this, I tend to put excessive pressures on my forefoot. Monitoring my pedal stroke and focusing on lowering my heel has provided relief from flare-ups.
3- Cadence. As long as my cadence is high (90+), my foot pain is dramatically reduced. Slower cadences (mashing) strains the feet, tends to place more pressure on your nerves, and causes nerve pain.

Consider these ideas. They worked for me. They may work for you.

-zorte ona

kbarch

I suspect it has less to do with overall effort than the modulation of effort.
Have you noticed whether your cadence is as constant or as high on group rides as it is when riding solo? Or do you find yourself fluctuating between mashing and spinning more often as you work to maintain position in group rides?

Lazyass

I do that already.

Lazyass

I ride a higher gear at a lower rpm than most people I see, even solo. Most legs I see riding in front of me are spinning faster than mine but they don't seem to be pulling up on the upstroke like me. I pedal more like a Jan Ullrich than an Armstrong (for comparison). I feel like I have a smooth round stroke. I'm always toe down. Tried riding with my feet flat but I just can't do that.

Lazyass

I'm usually riding Speedplays.

kbarch

Well, there you have it.
You can ride all day long your usual way solo without getting the hot foot symptom because maybe you aren't ever really mashing with your lower cadence. Your modulations in speed are entirely self-directed and probably much less self-conscious and more gradual. But when you are in a group, you probably find yourself needing to modulate your speed much more often in order to maintain your position, letting off and re-applying effort. So whenever you do have to accelerate a bit, you end up mashing where ordinarily you wouldn't necessarily feel the need to apply additional effort at all. This mashing may be so slight that you don't even notice along the way, but the effects would accumulate. It's like the difference between riding in the city and riding on open roads. It's far more exhausting to stop and start than it is to just keep pedaling for longer distances. Similarly, it may be harder on your feet to frequently speed up and slow down than it would be to just keep spinning at a more even effort and cadence, which is easier to maintain when you're riding solo.

Lazyass

I'll try riding with a higher cadence, but it's gonna be weird.

jsigone

few of my friends had them but switched them out, few still love them. I'm on Shimano ultegras, like the wider platform.

popeye

With Speedplays you need a shoe with a stiff sole.