I had my first race-specific bike fit done yesterday by
Erik Moen. Erik, a physical therapist, agrees with my pt in Pullman that I likely have a herniated disc, so my position was altered to alleviate the nerve pain down my leg and to take the stress off of my lower back. In short, pretty much everything about my position was altered, including saddle height, cleat position, stem length, saddle position, and brake hood position. It feels completely different, but in a good way. After the fit, Ted and I went for a short ride and I had no symptoms down the left leg for the first time in months, so I already have to say that I highly recommend Moen for bike fits. In my 17 years of racing, I have been overly stretched on the bike, giving me a weak lower back, which only irks my likely disc problem.
For the time being, I will continue pt, with a goal of improving my symptoms. I do have symptoms 95% of the time, but I can live with it as long as I can continue to do the things I want to do. Other options may have to be considered if I reach the point where I cannot be as active as I would like, but hopefully this will not happen.
I raced the Tour de Dung today, which was my first road race of 2010. I did end up getting in 2 breaks, despite Erik's advice to take it easy with my new fit. I just couldn't help it! Tomorrow is the Mason Lake road race, and it is going to be rainy.
Photo before bike fit.
Photo after bike fit.
