Cycling aches question

[pixy0stix]

Monday, for the very first time in 15 or so years, I biked into work. My poor ladybits. I was going to try to bike in again today, but I did the "hissssss OW!" sit down and decided against it. How long until this clears up, usually? (Meaning, I know it's going to hurt for a while, when will I toughen up?)

[sitnspin]

If it is just the usual seat issues, and not a place that is rubbed wrong due to fit or clothing, a couple times should do the trick until you get used to it.

[pixy0stix]

Mar 12, 2014 9:25:55 GMT -5 sitnspin said:

If it is just the usual seat issues, and not a place that is rubbed wrong due to fit or clothing, a couple times should do the trick until you get used to it.

It's just seat issues. No chaffing.

[katinthehat]

a week-ish? As while it may seem counter intuitive, when I have to take a break and things get achy, I find riding every day, even just for 15 minutes helps.

And you're using chamois cream, right? even if there is no chafing, it helps with the pressure and soreness.

[sitnspin]

Mar 12, 2014 9:27:38 GMT -5 pixy0stix said:

Mar 12, 2014 9:25:55 GMT -5 sitnspin said:

If it is just the usual seat issues, and not a place that is rubbed wrong due to fit or clothing, a couple times should do the trick until you get used to it.

It's just seat issues. No chaffing.

Yeah, a handful of rides and you will get used to it again, promise!  I haven't been on my bike (outdoors) since October, so I will feel your pain!

[pixy0stix]

Mar 12, 2014 9:34:53 GMT -5 katinthehat said:

And you're using chamois cream, right? even if there is no chafing, it helps with the pressure and soreness.

No ma'am. What kind? Can I get it from amazon?

[Susie]

A week or two and you should be good to go.

I actually haven't had much of a need for chamois cream, even training for a half ironman last year. Maybe I'm missing something, but who knows.

[mainewifey]

I'm usually pretty good after about a week.

I changed my bike seat out once or twice, but it wasn't my lady bits, but my butt that was hurting. I kept thinking that wider would feel better, but actually a narrower seat was much better for me. Now I cringe at the thought of riding the stationary bikes in the cardio section of the gym with the big wide, round seats on them.

[sadlebred]

Are you using padded shorts?

[pixy0stix]

Mar 12, 2014 11:30:22 GMT -5 sadlebred said:

Are you using padded shorts?

Nope. I was wearing my dress pants from work with the pant leg pegged. Sylish!

[sitnspin]

Mar 12, 2014 11:46:26 GMT -5 pixy0stix said:

Mar 12, 2014 11:30:22 GMT -5 sadlebred said:

Are you using padded shorts?

Nope. I was wearing my dress pants from work with the pant leg pegged. Sylish!

Oh, that is your #1 problem!  Switch to your work pants when you get there!

[katinthehat]

Mar 12, 2014 9:42:52 GMT -5 pixy0stix said:

Mar 12, 2014 9:34:53 GMT -5 katinthehat said:

And you're using chamois cream, right? even if there is no chafing, it helps with the pressure and soreness.

No ma'am. What kind? Can I get it from amazon?

sure can.  I like Chamois Butt'r but I've heard good things about DZNutz too.  You can also just aquaphor.  It's just kind of lubes and softens things up so they slide better and generally create a more comfortable feeling.

It certainly isn't a necessity but I like it.

[katinthehat]

You might also look into something like padded cycling briefs - These are a lot like the padding in bike shorts which might be overkill for you - www.rei.com/product/794386/novara-padded-cycle-briefs-womens-

These are a thinner pad - www.rei.com/product/765678/canari-gel-liner-womens

You can wear these under your work clothes and just swap out undies when you get to work.  Not nearly as conspicuous as strolling into work in cycling shorts

[pixy0stix]

Mar 12, 2014 11:57:29 GMT -5 sitnspin said:

Mar 12, 2014 11:46:26 GMT -5 pixy0stix said:

Nope. I was wearing my dress pants from work with the pant leg pegged. Sylish!

Oh, that is your #1 problem!  Switch to your work pants when you get there!

I feel like I'm carrying so much stuff already. Work stuff, lunch, purse stuff (just my wallet/phone), workout gear for class (warm weather gear and shoes), and jacket because it was in the 40s in the morning. I'd need to add another pair of pants for the commute in there. I put everything into a largish saddle bag on one side of my carrier. I felt like I was going to tip if I did anything other than just ride straight ahead. So now I'm thinking a backpack would be the way to go, but that's a smaller space.

Maybe I'm over thinking things. It's a 6 mile one way commute. It shouldn't be this difficult to figure out how to get me and my stuff to work.

[pixy0stix]

Mar 12, 2014 12:05:48 GMT -5 katinthehat said:

You might also look into something like padded cycling briefs - These are a lot like the padding in bike shorts which might be overkill for you - www.rei.com/product/794386/novara-padded-cycle-briefs-womens-

These are a thinner pad - www.rei.com/product/765678/canari-gel-liner-womens

You can wear these under your work clothes and just swap out undies when you get to work.  Not nearly as conspicuous as strolling into work in cycling shorts

I just typed out my long post, and you had already offered an answer! I'll check these out.

[boston340]

Mar 12, 2014 12:07:27 GMT -5 pixy0stix said:

Mar 12, 2014 11:57:29 GMT -5 sitnspin said:

Oh, that is your #1 problem!  Switch to your work pants when you get there!

I feel like I'm carrying so much stuff already. Work stuff, lunch, purse stuff (just my wallet/phone), workout gear for class (warm weather gear and shoes), and jacket because it was in the 40s in the morning. I'd need to add another pair of pants for the commute in there. I put everything into a largish saddle bag on one side of my carrier. I felt like I was going to tip if I did anything other than just ride straight ahead. So now I'm thinking a backpack would be the way to go, but that's a smaller space.

Maybe I'm over thinking things. It's a 6 mile one way commute. It shouldn't be this difficult to figure out how to get me and my stuff to work.

Could you drive on Mondays and bring all your stuff for the whole week and then bike the other 4 days?  That way you'd only need to haul lunch and your purse items each day.