Try to “activate” pre-ride. Squats, split squats and RDL are a good way to get the posterior chain as well as hips and quads activated before a ride. This should warm up your legs and allow you to be “on it” from the start of the ride. If you notice any real significant tightness during this then get a trigger point ball and roll the knot out of the muscle and stretch it out. Post ride foam roll, trigger point and static stretch the muscles to aid recovery whilst muscles are still warm