I've got a bad case of Spring neck
 

I've noticed this before. In the early Spring I'm not in good riding condition, physically and the gusty March winds combine to create the dreaded "Spring neck". I'm feeling it right now after riding my new Dyna about 100 miles yesterday through the pretty roads here in western Arknasas. The poor neck muscles are kind of sore. Speaks more about my poor physical training than anything else.

Somehow the cold wind seems to blow harder or feel harsher. Once the warm weather comes I don't feel it anymore. Definitely a sure sign of spring and also a sign of getting older.

The only known cure is to ride year round!

I thought this was about my sore neck I get when turning my head to look at the girl with the tanned legs and shorts on when I ride thru a town.

I get the same thing every year. A few more rides and it will go away. But last week, after my first long ride in 3 months, I'm hurtin.

Mine this weekend was a red nose, the sun was so bright I forgot to put on block and my nose got the sun.

I also get leg aches after first longer ride of the year. Went about 120m Saturday and had many red lights and stops at stop signs. All those leg lifts, its like a workout in the gym I guess being 58 and out of shape doesn't help. But by the end of riding season, I have strong legs again. :)

I play racquetball, which keeps me in pretty good shape. However, my neck sometimes fatigues in the course of a 400-mile day, depending on the wind.

As a professional athlete in another sport, skiing, my I suggest the problem may be muscular tension when none is needed. This is especially common to the back of the neck & upper shoulders & most prevelant in colder weather.
1) Relax your grip on the handles.
2) Be warm. Reduce cold air around your collar. It makes us hunch.
3) Adjust your riding posture at regular intervals & relax your shoulders & facial muscles. They connect.
4) Provide feedback.

+1 on the tensed muscles. Do a few neck stretches and wear something around your neck to keep it warm and the blood flowing thru your neck to your head, will help keep you a little more alert.

O It hurts so good doesnt it? LoL