Cramps between the shoulder blades below the neck...

[alanmcorcoran]

This was an old problem I had when doing 60+ mile rides on the bicycle. Basically, after about 4 hours elapsed time on a ride, the muscles that hold up my head (upper middle of the back, below the neck, between the shoulder blades) are tightened up and the ride starts to become a lot less fun. I've read some other posts around on the Internet, and there is much discussion of either relaxing one's grip (not exactly instinctual if you are battling the wind at 75+ on the superslab) or swapping out one's handlebars (probably not going to happen.)

Some suggest it's the helmet (actually, a good possibility! The bicycle position is more "flat back" and even though a bike helmet is very light, it adds to the load.) Others recommend a Mustang seat (one new way my head is apparently connected to my ass.)

Does anyone know of any "on-the-bike-as-you-are-riding" stretches, tricks or exercises I can do to reduce the mid-upper back lockup? I've improvised a few (sort of a slow-mo chicken dance with an elbow tuck), and, while they probably have increased circulation and reduced cramping, the basic stiffness returns pretty quickly.