The value of stretching after riding

[TexasProgresive]

I admit I am guilty of neglecting stretching. I know certain muscles get shortened by cycling such as the hamstrings, but I just didn't do it as I was so happy that I was riding again.

Today is Friday and the trouble started Sunday afternoon. I had done a short and fast ride early, showered, drove to church (yes I believe in God) and got home about noon. I was taking care of some necessary chores outside in the 100+ degree heat when my right leg collapsed at the knee joint. I didn't fall but it hurt like Hell. There has been no pain in my legs while riding except the normal. I put on an elastic knee brace but that didn't help much. Monday I did not ride and did a little research on the web about this knee collapse thing.

The medical sites were really unhelpful. They had all kinds of dire diagnoses and treatments-surgical, drugs and physical therapy. I did another search adding cycling to knee collapse and got some good advice. This is a common symptom of short hamstrings. DUH! I don't quite understand the mechanics as it involves the kneecap but I knew I should've been doing hamstring stretches all along, and it couldn't hurt.

Tuesday I carefully got on the bike and road a short easy ride with no hills. Then with my legs warmed up I did the stretches. Not fun, but I could tell they were really tight. I've been doing this each day since. The knee collapse is nearly gone and when it happens it is not bad. Thursday It happened twice and did not cause very much discomfort. Monday and Tuesday I was using a cane to prevent falling.

Any other stretches you would suggest. I do Achilles tendons,groin, neck rolls and shoulder stretches. I'm not sure how to do quads without damaging my iffie knees. Thanks in advance.

[olddots]

1. I stop alot and do stretches , sit ups etc..

This is why I ride alone even though its more fun and safer to ride with others .I fifure if I am out there for 5 hours 4 of the hours are spent actally on the bike .I would love group rides bur where I live the people are so regimented that a ride consists of mini races to a coffee break and back to the parking lot , when I do these rides I get stiff muscles .

[TexasProgresive]

2. LOL Any group rides in my area

are High T* college students. I don't think I'd be able to keep up even without stretch breaks.
*Testosterone

[sir pball]

3. I've almost completely eliminated static stretching and I've never felt better.

(Caveat, I'm a runner, but this is a general enough concept that it transfers.) I don't static stretch, before during or after a workout, ever. On particularly long runs (12+ miles) I'll walk for five minutes then do some mild plyometrics to target muscle groups that I can feel got a working, but that's the extent of it. What I do do, religiously, is spend ten or fifteen minutes a night with my Triggerpoint dense foam roller. Some of the rolls are awkward to the point of impossibility (gluetus medius is hilarious), and it takes a bit to figure out what your body needs, but it's some of the best money I've ever spent on gear and definitely the best my legs have felt in 20 years