A little sore in the saddle

As I posted earlier, I rode my Heritage softail for about six hours yesterday. I took back roads so I only put about 250 miles on it, but I was in the saddle for about 6 hours. I actually rode for three hours, got to my destination, got off of the bike for about 1 1/2 hours, and then rode back another 3 hours. About the last hour or hour and a half I was getting real uncomfortable, my butt was hurting and I was starting to chaff, any ideas how to prevent this next time? I was wearing blue jeans that have never bothered me before, although I have never been on the bike that long in them either. Are there any secrets to long distance riding that y'all could share with a fairly new rider? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks, Steve

Hey Steve - I think I'm going to try some bicycle shorts this year under my jeans for long rides. They're not cotton, which causes a lot of the discomfort by keeping moisture next to your skin. Also, they make some with some extra padding in the butt - which I seem to be losing a lot of at this time! A friend of mine who put a lot of miles on his Wing traveling in the summer told me he always went "comando" when riding distances to prevent chaffing. Same principle of reducing trapped moisture, I guess. I've not done anything more than weekend trips somewhere and back, so I don't really have any advice on what's worked for me. Like you, I suffer through the discomfort and change clothes when I can. Gold Bond powder helps some, too. I've been seeing a few bikes out up here on the nicer days. I'm still anxiously waiting for some steady 50-55 degrees before I bring mine back out of hibernation. Glad to hear you've been able to be out enjoying your bike. I'm jealous!

I've been riding my scooter every weekend so far. But we've had a pretty warm winter here so far. The only thing that keeps me off the streets is when it's raining and there's a danger of icing. Bicycle shorts are a good idea. You might also look up the Iron Butt Rally on the web. (You know, the folks that go 1000 miles in 24 hours.) They have a web page full of suggestions. One nice thing about a scooter is that I can vary the seat and foot positions as I ride, so I haven't experienced much discomfort. On the other hand, I'm never going to be able to get the the thing over 50, so cruising the freeway for long trips is out of the question. And then I get the kidding about when am I going to grow up and get a REAL ride...usually from the Harley guys down the street!

At least you're out riding, it doesn't matter if it's a bike or a scooter, you are out riding. Watch out for that ice. Steve

Thanks Matthew, I think I'll try powder next time to see if that works. Good weather year round is why I love Florida. You can ride 12 months a year.

Sorry bud... can't help you with the chaffing, never had it. I do get a sore tushie every now and then.

Kim , I have seen something that they claim helps with that sore tushie, by keeping it massaged, but that's not how they always market it, It's called the Vybrider, they say it helps with the sore butt, but the guy installing it says he usually installs it for the passenger, what about the driver? Steve

Steve, I've never used it, but this supposedly is good stuff.... I've also seen some sort of cream that you use pre-ride, but can't remember what it's called. http://www.antimonkeybutt.com/ambfaqs.html

From what I can remember the cream was supposed to be slathered on at the crotch, and it would work its way to where it was needed....

Okay, here it is.....Chamois Cream also known as "butt butter"! http://circlecitybicycles.com/cbutter.htm