Hidden Dangers: Is Cycling Bad For You? | GCN Show Ep. 614

[@Stephen-nq5kd]

Thanks!

[@Stephen-nq5kd]

I don’t suspect this will help me with the Caption Competition…

[@gcn]

wow! thank you so much for your support!

[@Stephen-nq5kd]

I feel like you’ve returned to the “true spirit” of GCN. I don’t even know what that means but I like being a snob about it.

[@gcn]

we take it as a compliment!

[@RyonBeachner]

You now fully understand Gravel.

[@wotexpat9367]

Got to love it. “Ollie’s wrist injury caused by cycling”? ….. “I believe so”…. You gents are harsh. 😊

[@gcn]

But gentlemen at the end of the day.

[@on2play736]

29:45 I nearly cried when Ollie got his GCN award with his photo on it and numbers of his documented climb ride. That hit hard because he was just saying he knew he will never be the best cyclist in the world but he wanted to finish the ride and be known to do it. When he was receiving that hit hard! Congratulations, Ollie!

[@Phillip-hq1bv]

Being recognized for an achievement by your coworkers is an honor; when your achievement is recognized by coworkers who are former pro cyclists...(and you are not)...an even greater honor.

[@bobwilkie5721]

Well done Ollie, just goes to show failure is not an option when you have a positive mental attitude; being half daft is certainly a benefit.

[@stevedouglas3975]

Get a grip

[@bobfoster687]

Vitamin K2 helps to remove calcium from your veins and arteries and deposit it in your bones. Do some research!

[@keithmaclure9101]

This August, I was the final finisher of gbduro in 14 days +change. Plenty of mechanical issues, but no injuries. Three days back in the office and I was grumping and groaning about a sore back - not from cycling, but from my office chair. My conclusion: 37hrs in the office bad, 37hrs on the bike good!

[@gcn]

A Zwift trainer setup with a desk, the perfect combination?

[@keithmaclure9101]

@gcn 👍#plan 😁 I'll send this comment to management, labelled as "Occupational Health advice"

[@roberttell1587]

When I started bike commuting I ended up with sciatic pain. Doctors quickly sent me down the path of MRI's and possible surgery. A colleague suggested piriformis syndrome. Stretching and a lot of core work fixed the problem and balanced things out. It's little scary how easy I could have ended up with a cure that made things worse.

[@DipBuyer83]

Actually I've had the same situation! I've gotten MRI, and possible surgery, and then I started Physical therapy of core workouts and stretching, now I'm back to enjoying cycling!!

[@JanneRasanen2]

YT channel physiotutors has a video about piriformis pain. 1 % of pain cases are from piriformis syndrome you need to check 13 other places for pain causes in the pelvis and low back. My physio confirmed this.

[@hellkitty6663]

3 month ago I was diagnosed with a herniated disc. The orthopaedist told me that was from too much cycling and I would never get on a bike again. My back is fine now but now I have piriformis syndrome as a consequence. On my bike is the only position I'm completely free of pain and any other symptoms, so I continue cycling (besides of physiotherapy).

[@andysmith2202]

I can relate to being on that path. I have had spondylolisthesis now which was wrongly diagnosed firstly as hamstrings, then glute tendinopathy which the docs said was due to too much cycling and would need surgery. Instead I followed Dr stuart Mcgill's approach and have been fine for years now, the back mechanic is worth a look for future proofing.

[@WarHammerWH]

Ollie looking all shy and humble... This was very classy from the GCN team and well deserved Ollie.

[@DejanOfRadic]

I'm in my 50's......I cycle 15k to work at a fancy restaurant, put in 10 000 steps a night, then cycle 15k back home. Once a week I do a 100k ride. When I compare myself to colleagues my age, I feel about 30 years younger than them......and I've been doing this since grade school. If there are drawbacks from cycling too much, I can't imagine what they are.

[@ce7406]

damn i cycle 5km to work at an unfancy restaurant i cant imagine doing 3x that amount it must take you an hour to commute??

[@KriegKadaver]

I've originally started cycling 6-7 years ago, when I was 150kg. That's also when I became a lifelong fan of GCN lol. I got under a 100 through diet and cycling (among other things), and my heart health went WAY UP. No more chest pain ever (I was never fit in my life before this), was not out of breath easily etc. Unfortunately life happened, and I had to sell my bicycle, and later I bloated out again to almost right back where I started. But my heart never went back. Yes, I was out of breath easier when not keeping up with exercise, but I've never had chest pains, I've never had to sleep on one side of my body, you name it. I'm back on a bicycle now, and even after 2 years of no exercise at all - it was so much easier to pick up where I left off previously, like I definitely didn't feel that I was starting at the beginning, even though I was as heavy as ever. And I think that's definitely due to heart health. This time I'm gonna also pick up jogging, in case I ever find myself with no money again.

[@crbondur]

As someone who lives in Central Arkansas (about 2 hours from Fayetteville), I love that we have so much cycling infrastructure so close. What's cool is that Bentonville isn't the only place in Arkansas that focuses on cycling. This infrastructure includes America's longest purpose-built multi-use bridge that's part of a dedicated trail system in Little Rock.

[@xosece]

21:10 gotta love the two brooms attached to the bike. Btw congrats to Ollie. Wolves are common in the region where I live and I love them so much, he is a lucky guy, for seeing one.

[@gritshelme]

Commenting for Dan because I also just don't think to comment very often, even when I really enjoyed a video. I don't know if I'm just shy on the internet for whatever reason, or if I just assume that whatever I could think to say has already been said by at least one other person... haha and I'm so tempted to hit "cancel" instead of posting, so if you're reading this you can blame Dan for this bit of drivel even existing! Great video, guys!

[@williamtilletts6636]

I totally use a towel over the bars for zwifting! No need for the Velcro stuff!

[@CazzaJen]

Awww we all love Ollie ❤ he did so well and it's nice when he is allowed to join the grown up presenters!!

[@ebikescrapper3925]

Everything in moderate, three times a week on the bike is enough for me, two short and one long ride.

[@richm.3477]

#captioncompetition: It happens to me, too. Every time I stop at the local bike shop for a new tube, all the new bikes respond, "Pick me! Pick me!"

[@philadams9254]

31:20 - did Ollie just leave without saying "love you bye"???

[@alinapopescu872]

He did.

[@__uorson]

he totally did.

[@CazzaJen]

...... 😢

[@hotsky83]

He doesn't love us anymore 😢

[@alinapopescu872]

@@hotsky83 😭😭😭

[@lux-wattage]

Cycling can definitely get too healthy sometimes. I got so caught up in training and eating right that it became an obsession, and eventually, it led to anorexia. I'm in recovery now and had to take a step back from cycling, which has been the hardest thing I’ve ever done. But I know it's for the best, and in the long run, it’ll make me a stronger cyclist. At least I can still enjoy all the great cycling content GCN puts out!

[@238949]

So brilliant seeing you give Ollie the prize for his epic achievement on Mont Grappa, his face was a sight to see. I also agree about his support team, as the supposed "tech man" Alex should have been sacked, the first puncture of the ride and he says to Ollie "I suppose I should really be repairing that" 🤣🤣

[@pmiller7886]

I love when Si and Dan take the pish out of eachother, its GCN at its finest!

[@marvmininger1835]

Thanks for shout out about the track pump, or lack thereof, gentleman! That just made my day. Great work once again to Ollie and to all of you at GCN! :)

[@jakubsvejnoha120]

#CaptionCompetition: We put a one wheel in, we put a one wheel out. We put a one wheel in and lift them softly up. We do the Pogi wheelie after winning Tour de France, that´s what it´s all about! (THANKS CHRISTINE!!!)

[@ebmike8]

@17:15 I agree with Dan, that's a hack. I have a retired gravel bike that I only use on my Kickr Move with Zwift/Trainer Roads. Ended up removing the bar tape completely because the sweat and salt just ruins the tape so quick! Great content team GCN!

[@jansonmur4362]

Caption contest: Operator: What do you need? (Besides a miracle) Neo: bikes, lots of bikes Me (at home on my computer): Hey, wait a moment, I think I downloaded the wrong Matrix... probably gonna watch it anyway

[@gcn]

💊 🥏

[@derickcastillo9083]

How nice to see my home city of Albuquerque NM, our mountains and hot air balloons to introduce your show. By the way the best way to see the Balloon Fiesta is by bike. There many bike trials that lead to where the balloons take off. Thank you GCN!

[@Skaughtto]

On the topic of "too much cycling being bad", can GCN do a deep dive into hip impingement? (FAI, Femoroacetabular impingement)

[@bitgeist_21]

Speaking of bicycle mechanics; I can say with confidence that I have become an extremely accomplished bike mechanic by watching GCN 'how to' videos. I do all my own maintenance, and I do all my own bike builds. (I source everything individually from the frame onwards...) In fact, the only thing I have not set out to learn is custom wheel building. And for that; I'm sure there is GCN video I can watch to pick up that skill as well. I dare say; everything I know about bicycle mechanics I learned from the boys at GCN! Many thanks for all I've learned!

[@eb2675]

The second hack/bodge with the home made bike stand - the most definite bodge is the two bikes in the photo, with, dare I say, two drastically inconsistent / opposing saddle angles. Those saddle angles defy logic - just like the bending shower pole racks!

[@victrolaman2007]

About 10 years ago I significantly ramped up my daily mileage in order to earn bragging rights amongst my riding friends for having the most mileage for the year. I started to get a hot spot on my right foot and just ignored it attributing it to the increased time on the bike. It got to the point where I couldn't complete a 50 mile ride. I had developed a neuroma that required surgery to remove. The healing from the surgery was not successful and I developed a stump neuroma that gives me pain 24/7 and I can no longer ride clipped in with that foot. The doctors have given me less than a 50-50 chance of success for any of a number of corrective procedures with the likely outcome being worse that I am now. Don't ignore cycling pains. They may be with you for the rest of your life.

[@richardharris8538]

Sorry to hear that. I hope you do recover from it. In the meantime, is there some kind of work-around, like orthotics?

[@macklinpowell632]

I started watching GCN when I was 12 when it first started out back in 2013. When I tuned back into GCN this year (after a 4-year hiatus from cycling and cycling content) I was elated to see Si still bringing so much joy to the channel with every video he's in - you just can't beat that smile!

[@ianlaker9161]

This first topic is very interesting and my take is listen to your body. I've been cycling for over 40 years and three years after getting a diagnosis for leukemia (blood cancer), fortunately a more benign form of the disease, I am exercising more intensely than ever but know when to step back and take it easy for a day or two. Zoom meeting this very evening with my homebrewing mates (consuming each others beers!), studio cycling session tomorrow evening at my gym. Then I'm itching to get on the bike later in the week, once the weather clears up. Strangely, on those 'days off' I actually relax and breath easier. It's all about balance. Never felt better! Ollie's climb ride was epic BTW. Respect to him.

[@matthewwhite4133]

I started exercising again in February after the birth of my daughter. I used to be a high level rower a long time (12 years) ago. It's now hard to imagine life without cycling. I do almost all my cycling on zwift and did my first ever big bike rides this summer. So far since starting I have nearly doubled my FTP to 338w and lost 28kg. Lots more weight to lose but I'm loving the journey and GCN videos have been a big part of that 😊 thanks for the great content guys!

[@MrBrackley88]

@Si. The girl on the podium with Zoe B is a local legend already. Her name is Gioia (joy-ah). She was on the stage with SD Worx in team kit before this year’s Gent Wevelgem. I think she was on the podium at the end of the women’s race that day. And was the girl you may have seen riding up the Kemmelberg before the peloton arrived. To enormous cheers from the crowd. Had a nice chat with her dad at the depart. She is a huge cycling fan and wants to be a pro. She is fast becoming Belgium cycling’s most loved mascot. Remember the name….

[@sleepymarino]

I was a high level competitive gymnast the majority of my life, competing on the national and collegiate level. At the age of 16 I had a major injury that required me to have a knee replacement. Fortunately, this is when I was introduced to cycling. My mother purchased me a road bike (Specialized Allez) to help me with my recovery. I would cycle an hour to practice, workout for 4 hours, and cycle home. It really helped me recover, return to Gymnastics and obtain a gymnastics scholarship to college. After gymnastic I had back surgery for a herniated disc. I always kept my bike near by but it was only 6 years ago I had the opportunity to really dive into cycling. It’s been amazing and I’ve been loving this change to an endurance sport. My multiple injuries, including my knee and back, have not given me any issues. I do lots of preventative work like stretching, core strength, and icing after hard rides. A week ago I got another bike fit and I haven’t felt better on my bike! I hope to keep cycling, injury free, for many more years to come!

[@billincolumbia]

Nice work on the Arkansas accent for "Fayetteville", Si! It actually tends to get shortened down to "Fet-vul". Our version of Gloucester or Worcester. :)

[@dennist2769]

Si said "Fayetteville" like he is from Tulsa. Nice work.

[@thegorillaguide]

Probably a bit late now, but for what it's worth, gravel riding is everything you can a do on a bike that fills the space from pure road riding all the way to technical mountain biking.

[@AlanForkosh]

With respect to Zoe Backstadt's teammates' travails at the Simac Tour, Chloe Dygart seems to have had a fall or injury in almost every major race she participated in this year. However, her injury at the Simac Tour takes the cake. Before the first TT stage, she broke her nose on the bathroom door at the hotel. She did race the TT, finished tenth, and then dropped out of the race.

[@41istair]

I highly recommend wearing a Leatt 3DF Kidney Belt, which I wear on every MTB or Road/Gravel ride after suffering a herniated lumbar disk. Wearing this, I am now back to 50-80 mile road rides without coming back in pain or any reduced flexibility.

[@chrisjenkins3917]

Ollie’s Monte Grappa ride was truly epic. Inspiring, amazing, and a good reminder that a packing list can help you avoid forgetting the essentials…like a track pump. 😅

[@paulglynn-j9l]

I took up cycling at 45, and really fell in love with the sport: did loads of sportives. A genetic heart condition I was blissfully unaware of was detected at 55 following a routine scan and check-up. I was initially shocked and very worried, but I've never had any of the common signs or symptoms of the condition and now that I know I have it, it's very manageable. I would definitely have experienced symptoms and complications if my general heart health wasn't so good from cycling. Also, I would not have been getting a routine screening if it wasn't for the tips and advice I read and heard via the cycling media, including, among others, GCN. If you're middle-aged and doing a lot of endurance exercise, get an echo-cardiogram and a full health screening every few years.

[@ramonvanderben8120]

#CaptionCompetition: The peloton is just saying: "Wheely well done, Christine. Wheely well done..."

[@Cabomccabe]

My daughter and I hadn’t heard the word “niggle” before, but when my daughter heard it, she said “what did he say?????” We got a good laugh on that one. She looked it up and now we’ve been saying it all morning. Thanks for yet another British word that we Americans have never heard. I was crying laughing.

[@ChristopheDeBoeck]

Reading tip: the midlife cyclist, by Phil Cavell

[@CarnivoreDMD]

I still occasionally ride my Cannondale M800 with Pepperoni Fork! It was called a mnt bike in 1991 but it’s called a gravel bike in 2024!

[@eskiljakobsson3953]

Ulnar nerve compression from a 2100 km ride over a weeek, apparently from having a tense chest that needed stretching. Took several months to have the tingling and reduced sensation in the fingers to disappear, was truly worried I had hurt myself proper for a good while.

[@MenachemKaplan]

Before I really start to ride a bike like 4 and 1/2 years ago, I had heart problems and I was taking medication to reduce my heart rate, because of average heart rate of around 110 while resting and now 4 and 1/2 years later I'm not on the medication anymore and during rest I have average heart rate of around 50 ‏‪ ‏‪7:46‬‏

[@fatladattheback8642]

Cycling in the Ozarks? - I can already hear the banjos!

[@AbiWinstanley]

First of all, I’d just like to say how much I enjoy your shows and all the videos you all do. You all seem like you genuinely enjoy yourselves (even when you’re suffering… lol ) my friend’s son - George worked with you for a while and confirmed that you are all as lovely as you seem on the videos 🙌🏻 Anyway …. To my point …. Re the discussion about too much cycling causing injuries…. I started riding a bike again when I turned 50, after my horse was diagnosed with arthritis in his hind legs and had to go to sleep 😭I built up my fitness and was eventually able to do 60 - 100 mile rides 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻 Then I hit menopause and had been struggling with menopause related health issues for about 2 years, this meant I was unable to do any real exercise. I won’t detail what the issue was …. Many male friends have asked, stating they could deal with whatever it was …but on hearing the details have backtracked and confirmed it’s too much info !!!! I finally got the issue sorted after visiting a fantastic private gynaecologist 🙌🏻 in Jan 2024. Since then, I have been able to drop 22 kilo - still k to lose 🙈 but well on my way 🎉 Anyway to the point …. I have been training and getting fitter/ faster using indoor (zwift) and outdoor rides, but then pushed it too hard on an outdoor ride, followed by helping my cousin raise the frame for her new extension. Long story short, I upset my ilio tibial band and had to take 6 weeks off - I could barely walk … even yoga was a challenge 😱. Am hoping to get back on my bike (for a gentle training session this weekend) The aim being taking part in my first TT (10 miles) in May 2025 Love you all - Keep up the fab work ☺️

[@MatthewSaunders-c1b]

I tore my patella tendon nearly 10 years ago after a year of big mountains, 200+km rides, etc... Funnily enough I didn't feel it til the day after a ride, when I got up in the morning and walked down the stairs. What followed was around 6 months of riding like a granny (soft pedalling, flat roads), after which I threw the kitchen sink at it - bike fitting (including foot stability), wider shoes with orthotics and neuromuscular therapy. Happy to say (knocking on wood) I haven't had a serious injury from cycling since then, and now at the age of 49 am still doing big challenging rides in the late spring/early summer (with a steady build up), but prudently taking it easier for the other 9 months of the year. I've also discovered that yoga really helps in terms of restoring flexibility after hours locked into your riding position. Lesson learned - although you can achieve way more than you intially thought on a bike (cycling being addictive - the more you achieve, the more you want to push it), everyone has limitations and you won't always know you're injuring yourself while you're doing it.

[@KonstantinV1970]

I am 54 and been cycling since 1991. I always did SOME weight lifting and functional training. But certainly not enough. Now I have a slightly "degenerated" backbone - and just started to get it back in position with dedicated weight lifting to strengthen my back.

[@johne7100]

I have several endurance-cycling chums, all used to doing 1000+ km rides against the clock, who now suffer from atrial fibrillation. All of them have been at it for well over 20 years. When I accompanied a family member to see a cardiologist years ago and he heard what my sport was, he immediately said "we'll be fitting you with a pacemaker in a year or two, then". My opinion is that it depends on the length of time you've been doing long-distance cycling; I started late and do not have Afib, although I do have hyper-excitable atria. I don't go over 200k in a day now because I'm old & decrepit. Of my chums who have/had atrial fib, one had atrial ablation which stopped it in its tracks and it hasn't returned, another has stopped cycling because of it, and yet another had unsuccessful atrial ablation several times before his wife woke up one morning to find him dead beside her.

[@BenjaminSorrellSax]

I think injuries and “civilians” is an interesting subject. As a classical musician, I’m familiar with stretching and repetitive stress injuries. When I start a new activity or sport, or when I have had a break in cycling and I pick it back up, there are always some pains as I get back into it. I find that stretching doesn’t usually cut it in my late 30s, but a great full body massage with someone who specializes in musicians and athletes is key. It is a life saver, and it really is the only way UCI racers keep going on epic races. When even us mortals come close or start on that path our bodies need help as we get into it, even if we’re not putting out 340 watts in zone 2.

[@on2play736]

I use cycling as my secondary alternative to my cardio. It's better than people think.

[@danabc322]

Unfortunately I’m a dirty runner now, but I do like to cross train on the turbo (Zwift) 2-3 times per week and it definitely does help with the cardio base!

[@michaelcarmody2095]

I think you missed the point about "too much" exercise. It's endurance athletics over the course of forty to 50 years that causes AFIB and other arrythmias in endurance athletes. Our rates of AFIB are 4-5 times higher than those who do moderate exercise. So, you are correct that exercise is absolutely beneficial, but prolonged exercise over decades is actually bad for you. You aren't immune to heart problems. The heart gets inflamed by endurance exercise and if you continue to do it the heart doesn't have a chance to heal and tends to scar up. Too little exercise is bad. Too much exercise is bad. But moderate exercise over the years is just right. You have no idea what a struggle it is to have AFIB which is not curable.

[@YO-BIZZY]

When you’re young i would imagine you can do as much as you want

[@Flexb777]

I developed AFIB in 2012 after about 12 years of serious cycling at age 52. I went for an Ablation in May 2013 and was absolutely successful. Not sure if it was due to my lifelong commitment to being Fit or just my genes. It did start off as PAC’s & PVC’s(Skipped Beats/Palpitations) in the late 1990’s. Picking up cycling and proper training along with nutrition helped immensely. However AFIB did rear its ugly head in 2013…… Don’t rule out an Ablation from a very reputable Electrophysiologist. I actually did mine in the UK at the Royal Brompton Hospital by the best EP available. I’m now 63YO and still riding lots along with some much younger blokes and holding my own. I have a rule to keep my cycling to max 300Kms per week and try to get good sleep and don’t do intense sessions to two(2) times per week…….Recovery is KEY for older athletes and acceptance of diminishing returns and levels and being HAPPY about that……Oh and I’ve started the last year back in the Gym 2-3 times per week keeping my strength and flexibility up……….Nice topic today gents…Keep up the great content.

[@shuycg]

What eventually stops me riding is saddle sores. Decades of cycling and trying everything and still haven't found forever comfort. Sometimes I get to ride 5-6 days consecutively. Sometimes I have to take a break after just 2. We're talking 50-80km avg rides. I guess that's not the worst "health issue" to get from cycling.

[@boardgamejulia]

It's likely not that but since you said you tried everything - have a look at Akne Inversa, it's a skin condition and what I thought of as a saddle sore problem for me ended up being that. Which ultimately only is of limited help as it's not cureable. But it helps treating it.

[@凸Bebo凸]

Try the 143mm Bucklos 3D Printed Saddle from China. I have yet to get a saddle sore on it, it's perfect. Saddle sores are usually saddle too wide.

[@salimsanchez89]

Forget the stand, 19:50 Did you see the saddle tilt angle on that tt bike?!... 😵‍💫🥴😵

[@hotsky83]

I noticed that as well. Yikes

[@daniellane6647]

I did PBP last year and still get numbness in my toes and fingers occasionally. I had loss of feeling and strength in ring and pinky fingers after all the qualifying rides. It would go away and then return on the next ride. Turns out mine is due to myelopathy due to cervical stenosis (a herniated disc in my neck at c-4 that impinges on my spinal cord and causes radiating nerve effects. I'm not a doctor, so excuse the shorthand.). It might be helpful for endurance athletes who watch GCN to be aware of this problem as I've found it's pretty common in high-mileage cyclists. It's my understanding that if this type of thing is not caught early enough it can lead to catastrophic physical problems, but if it's treated it can be nearly eliminated as an issue. Defective discs in your spine can be replaced with synthetic discs that can return normal function and feeling. I haven't had the surgery yet but am considering it because I think it may allow me to cycle more comfortably and reduce risk if I have a crash.

[@emiliorossi1841]

I was out from riding after doing 800 miles (Pacific Coast Bike Race in California) in 6.5 days for a year because of IT band pain in my left leg. Granted I had really bad mobility which caused a bunch of problems. I went through a bunch of physical therapy to get my mobility back to normal, but lifting weights was the thing that helped after that.

[@FML22]

1) PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE bring back the GCN app and GCN+ videos as soon as you have funding. 2) I live in the US and bought a Black & Decker modular leaf VACUUM on Amazon. Noisy, yes, but much faster than a rake or broom. So I use it on weekdays when all the young ‘uns are at work.

[@gcn]

Thanks for the comment. We miss the app too, but at least the documentaries are back!

[@bdgrph]

thoughts on trail ambassador Joe's sweeper: First off, thanks Joe for donating your time for the betterment of trail users in your community. regarding the broom contraption, it appears to be a bodge in actually not clearing much of the debris off the trail. However, if the fact that it works so slowly and you must repeatedly ride up and down the trail--thereby avoiding chores at home--it is a brilliant procrastination hack that I fully applaud and may copy with your blessing

[@JakeRobertson-d2o]

Totally unrelated to the video, but I had a strange dream last night, which was Dan and Si acting out a cycling product advertisement as if they were Gen Z instagram influencers. We need a video to this tune!!

[@Incog105]

Thanks for the chuckles regarding Dan's Comedy Club visit. Here's a challenge. You should step out and attempt an open mic night as the comedy duo of Whir and Whirnot. That is if you don't already have nicknames.

[@CycletheNation]

Injuries - so far I think I've pretty much got away with it, especially last year on my charity challenge where I did 143 miles a day for 8 days, where the only real problem was the width of my saddle (too wide) and the subsequent chafing - frequent noises were squeaked - it meant it took me 15-20 minutes to get properly 'sat' on the last day! Next year will be tougher still - 170 miles a day, 14 days. I've already had the bike fit to ensure I'm right, but still getting used to a slightly more aero / efficient position without causing neck pain. As I'm now entering my late 40's, I feel a benefit from stretching each morning (as well as rock climbing / bouldering 2 or 3 times a week) to keep a more full-body fitness.

[@KenSmith-bv4si]

I'm 68 yrs old and my yoga instructor says that "back bends" are the fountain of youth for your spine.

[@jacobtaggart2164]

For sure. I started practicing yoga asanas around the same time I started cycling. Love back bends to combat the hunch-back effect that comes from long hours on the bike. I also love the pranayama as it helps me re-energize when I feel the fatigue starting to take hold.

[@edwardmacrury5376]

Good job Si and Dan, massive Kudos to Ollie and what a highly laudable gesture regarding Ollie’s award. Keep up the great work.

[@TheMaximk]

Misread the award and thought it said "Calories Consumed: 30 Sheep"... like how Zwift counts calories burned in pizza slices. Anyway, congratulations, Ollie!

[@iansingleton]

I think Oli deserves to have his favourite bike (his pinarello) custom painted to celebrate his achievement.

[@OllieBridgewood]

i agree! 😂

[@Desmond17]

I think the "random child" you've described standing on the podium with Zoe & co was the same kid who was seen on the socials climbing on her bike ahead of the women in a pro race (sorry for the vague description). From what i've heard, it was a way for the organisers to inspire the next generation, a bit like the kid who raced the peleton in the Tour of Britain a few years ago.

[@daveplatten5380]

Hi team. My Big issue after monumental rides is CRAMP, to the point of bruising and once being hospitalised. Even after being careful and watching fuel loads for a week prior.

[@tebbsy]

One year, I was invited last minute on étape de tour and jumped at the chance, but with no long distance or climbing experience under my belt I managed to get in 2 60k rides before we left. Event day arrives and the first 40k took us around lake Annecy, beautiful, but very flat. Then the climbing began. I was in bits, but after 8 hours of torturous climbs, I finished!!! Utterly elated, I tried to dismount my trusty steed, but was unable to straighten my back, and collapse in a disappointing heap of aches and laughter. It was at this point that I realised I wasn’t able to reach my shoes to take them off. After about 20 minutes I finally got them off, only to be made aware I was being watched by my compadres who promptly said, "Right, time to cycle back to the hotel!” Suffice it to say, they’d had their fun watching me in my agonising battle with my footwear, so they put my shoes on for me and helped me back on my bike.

[@terrymulhern5092]

Not exactly ultra endurance, but I took to cycling in my early 50s and I've built up to riding 250-300 km per week since covid. Apart from a few crashes, the most notable "cycling" injury I've had was a sore neck caused by forgetting my own pillow and having to use the stupidly fat motel pillow while away on a cycling trip. A month of physio and time off the bike was required. Will not make that rookie mistake again!

[@Grizzrock]

Ollie's Freudian slip @ 29:11 "It's on Connor" shows how ingrained the Connor-blaming culture seems to be there at GCN. He wasn't even in the same country! I'm not sure what he's done to deserve it poor Connor. Maybe you guys should give him a break! PS Unbelievable effort Ollie!

[@grecian9]

Lost feeling in my fingers for 4 months after 330 miles in 48 hours. Felt great on the bike at the time and the injury only appeared the day after the ride ended. Medical tests were unable to determine the issue

[@dakalla]

16:20 I remember Ollie did some swimming too, even while cycling.

[@yvesgysel9834]

It's no secret that many riders on a racebike get back problems. Eddy Merx was always adjusting his saddle. Later on, when he retired, he said that he had been struggling with his back a lot.

[@MiddleAgedMike]

Bleeding brakes is super easy, easier than messing with cable tension and pad alignment in my opinion. At least easier to get a consistent long lasting result.

[@hes_no_rocketsurgeon]

Dan Lloyd our model of consistency!! @20:08 "I feel like if I'm capable of making it, it's probably a bodge" Two minutes prior, dish towels wrapped around a handlebar, "I'm going hack".🤣

[@andrewroozen9151]

The day after I finished my 100 hour triple everest in 2017 my pinky fingers on both hands went completely numb. Tests showed I had compressed my ulnar nerves in my elbows probably because most of the climbing was done out of the saddle. It took over a year and a half before the numbness completely went away !

[@phoffen3829]

I have had so many injuries I won't have time to describe them all, but usually I get some kind of niggle when riding or doing some activity a while. BUT I recently completed a LEJOG in two weeks, and had zero physical issues (other than exhaustion). I put it down to the bike fit just before setting out. .

[@lovemesomedetail]

can't get over Si being 41... Dude looks brand new!

[@JBDazen]

I have been having knee trouble all year, which i think originates in a long time off the bike after a bonkers 5 hour 180 km time trial September 2023. Had been feeling over trained for ages. And history seems to repeat itself now, after coming back from a week of cycling in the Pyrenees, my body seems to be drained of energy, even catching shingles. It's frustrating.

[@shuycg]

The best moment was when you both said you have little idea about bleeding brakes, then mention something about it being maybe dangerous, or not, then remember something about some seringes, all while looking pretty uncertain about all of that. If anything, he may have been in a little danger of making a mess, spilling that brake fluid. Otherwise, definitely not more dangerous than using the proper tools. Bled brakes are bled brakes. Were working under the assumption that the cone was clean and the cut didn't leave any flakes behind.

[@GFlop2016]

#captioncompetition: "Wow, I doubted this Phospholipid Bike Layer would be hydrophobic, but it really Worx!" (ask Ollie😊)

[@curriegillespie8261]

As a 7000 km per year road cyclist who hovers between 220 and 250 lbs of personal weight, I permanently injured nerves in my urethra.

[@muratmustafa4532]

Feeling better physically since I started to cycle intensively, but recently developed a tight hip flexor which is quite painful while wearing socks. So, I guess there is a fine line between doing good and bad for the body.

[@bensteel1343]

Touring in Belgium in the spring to see the Flèche Wallone Race got me numb finger tips for 3 weeks. Although it was cold, windy, raining and a bit of snow. That wasn't fun.

[@tmackmccloskey2640]

I have to say, hydraulic brakes are great for guys with unlimited money/support. Mechanical disc brakes are reasonable but for anything but the most extreme riding, a good rim v- brake is adequate. I chose to quit chasing technology a while back.

[@donjones3558]

I’ve had a number of self-induced injuries all in the name of my cycling addiction. Since racing in the 80s and early 90s as a junior/Cat 3 hack I’ve been on-off the bike but always active running, lifting and back to riding hoping to be better on the bike. About 15yr ago I tore both calves from lifting with cramp from rides. Back on the bike full-time and getting 12k miles a year I think I overdid it last year with miles and flights… DVT and now bilateral pulmonary embolisms that will keep me off the road for a few months. Praises for blood thinners and Zwift!

[@CosmicDigital507]

I'm now in the grips of severe sciatica pain after attempting an uphill sprint, probably due to setting my saddle too high and not stretching properly before heading out. I won't ever say it's from "too much cycling" though...! Maybe from "suboptimal" cycling...

[@davegedge7040]

I got injured from running. I used to race marathons. I was fast, and put a lot of miles down every week. But I slipped while walking (yes!) and popped a knee ligament. Two years on, I still cant run. But I can ride a bike, and im putting down the miles and building up strength.... I still get runner envy, but I'm a bike convert.

[@gcn]

Thank you for sharing your story; we hope you recover soon and gradually get back to doing what you love. But hey, don't forget about the bicycle!

[@JoakimPekkari]

24:04 Blake breeding is Ryan Reynolds favorite pastime, can't blame the guy!

[@iamalden]

26:00 FYI: That photo isn’t of Christine Majerus. It’s teammate Barbara Guarischi.

[@mitchpaliga4851]

Pinched nerve in my neck which tweaked several back/shoulder blade muscles, swollen knee, then there's the crash injuries, fractured clavicle, concussion and a broken leg which required surgery. All were separate injuries. I'm 62 and really don't need any more injuries. 🤣

[@matz4k]

I injured myself last May riding. I was under high physical and mental stress at the time, did a tour with my flatmate and injured my hip/groin area. CT showed I have a bad case of hip dysplasia. Usually they check infants for this, must have missed my crippled hip socket. MRI in a month we will see how much damage has already been done. Currently regretting my active lifestyle...

[@GabyLoupiac]

Caption Competition: Navigating the chaos; parting the sea of wheels!

[@mommamooney]

Before GCN i never commented on KZbin videos. I started because you said it helps the channel

[@chrisjenkins3917]

Dan Lloyd POV: “If I can make it, it’s a bodge!” Love it! We might be related…

[@ebikescrapper3925]

Next week So borrows Dan leaf blower and submits a Hack / Dodge

[@mommamooney]

#CaptionCompetition A 21 wheel salute for Christine

[@DanielJones-h7n]

I finished my first Ultra road race 4 weeks ago with 6,000 metres of climbing to HC categorie 1,000m+ climbs and 289 kilometres. I unfortunately have been left with a major hip and groin injury that happened with about 40kg to go, i thought it was my knee but has turned out to be my hip and groin, so much so turning my inner leg inwards causes great discomfort. A few months in recovery for me...