posted May 12, 2007

Hi, You really ought to use chamois cream....it will save you sensitive bits! I rode 800 miles across France in 10 days last year and chamois cream was a life saver. Oh, and don't neglect your fluids either, carbohydrate powders may look expensive but they are invaluable. And DO NOT forget the golden rule....get the carbs and protein back in to your body ASAP after finishing a long training ride, this is when the body starts to repair itself. Sorry to make this sound like a lecture but trust me, all this advice is well tested and works ! Good luck!

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posted May 13, 2007

Saddle sores - ow, best avoided as the ex pro interjected. Keeping things clean down there is essential. I could recommend Tea Tree Oil or a washing product with this in as a worth while investment to prevent the onset of even the smallest of spots.
Chamois cream can feel a little odd (and flipping cold) when you first use it. However once over the initial acclimatisation it helps with the chaffing that leads to such problems. As for the bruising, good shorts, position shifting and just a bit of good old "grin and bear it" and you will develop the muscle to cushion these two pointy bits of bone.
As for group riding, there are going to be one or two riders around you on the 1st (me included) so it would certainly help your confidence to have ridden a few outings in even a small group. With your new found fame I am sure one of the Suffolk or Essex cycle clubs would take you under their wing. My own club, The North Road CC would welcome you but Hertford is a bit of a long drive out for a Saturday morning ride. All the best.

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posted May 13, 2007

Nice thing about Sportives are the little arrows at turning points, it takes having to think about navigation away. I did an audax once, and had to follow instructions and got lost once or twice. Not a pleasant feeling when you go 10 miles in the wrong direction in a 200km ride, and even more unpleasant when the instructions are in KM and your cycle computer is in miles. I have done 30 or so sportives and just the 1 audax, so it doesnt take much to figure out which I prefer.
Riding with people is also a big plus, but remember to keep with a group who are at about the same level as you. It passes the time quickly and usually there will be experienced riders who will pass on useful tips. Its also good fun, especially on hills.

The British Sportive is reasonably flat, the distance and wrong pacing will be the biggest issue, and you will find yourself jumping from group to group. One hint is target a group to catch, ride with them for a while and then target another group. However if the group leaves you behind dont worry, they may simply be better than you, and thats no big deal. Also dont get bogged down with a group who are slower than you, stay with them for a social and then move on.

The suprising thing to me when I joined a group was just how friendly everyone was, and although conversation turned to cycling I dont recall any cycling anorachs. Things dont change either. I did a sub 5hr 45min hilly 100 miler 4 weeks ago and that was largely due to cycling with groups. I dont belong to any club so dont go on club rides, therefore such experiences really make your day. Its much nicer than cycling alone.

As far as saddle sore/numbness is concerned there have been so many sensible comments in this formum, so I cant really add anything new. I would say that its probably a bit late in the day to change saddle, as the risk is you may get one that makes things worse. The aching etc is something you will get through, and if it happens during the sportive just move about a bit, or maybe at the refueling stops dont ride straight through, get off your bike and walk around a bit. Or maybe if you are in a group ask what other riders would do. However dont introduce yourself and launch into a conversation about your problem, as you may find the group suddenly speeds up trying to drop you with all the riders worried about the strange rider who just joined them. (just kidding)
All the miles you are getting on the saddle will help you.

Remember this isnt a race its a personal challenge, so enjoy the day and if I see you, it would be a real pleasure to say hello, and hopefuly ride with you for a while. Good luck and happy cycling.

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posted May 13, 2007

Saddle sores and how to avoid them.From someone who has had an 'egg' or two in his time 'til I learned a better way!

1.Never wear the same shorts twice without washing them.

2.Make sure you have a shower straight after a ride and scrub the 'sitting' area thoroughly.

3.When riding long distances, don't stay sat in the saddle for long periods, stand on the pedals to aerate the area and relieve pressure as much as possible every few minutes or so for 10/15 seconds.

4.Ensure that you do not use high(heavy)gears and low cadence, this will cause you to roll and also pull the body into the saddle more, 'cutting' it up over long periods.

5. make sure your saddle is not too high, that will also lead you to 'roll' and therefore chafe the sitting area.

If your riding style is not refined and efficient, you will suffer.

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posted May 14, 2007

and NEVER get your chamois creme and sports balm mixed up

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posted May 14, 2007

Buy the right saddle and shorts. The only problem is you may spend a fortune finding out what is "right" for you. I have found price is no indicator of suitability. For what its worth I find the Selle Italia SLR saddle heaven but it looks like a razor blade. Also Endura shorts with the red padding insert are the best shorts (for Me). Change them after every ride, shower thoroughly. If it gets a bit tender downstairs I find a bit of sudocream works well - its full of zinc which helps with healing.

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posted May 14, 2007

First, congratulations Martin, you must have pipped me at the post When I used to race I ate a lot of sultanas, raisins and bananas and a special fresh lemon squash my Mum made with fresh lemon juice and added sugar and water. As for saddle soreness, if you have no broken skin then applying surgical spirit with cotton wool to the sore areas helps me, and one of those gel ice packs works wonders too.

Good luck with the training and the ride, I'll be rooting for you!

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posted May 14, 2007

I agree with MIKEET about the benefits of zinc. Martin, with 2 young children you must know about nappy rash! Zinc cream is commonly recommended for nappy rash, and lets face it, the sweat, dirt, and friction that causes cyclist's rash is pretty much the same thing.

Of course, trying to avoid any rash in the first place is the key issue - of which you have had plenty of good advice already.

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posted May 18, 2007

Martin - I've been riding for years but I still get saddle sore. What you should also beware of is having your saddle too high at the front, as that can numb your testicles and reduce sperm production! I've heard it suggested that it should be tilted slightly downwards at the front but I've yet to try this myself.

I'm doing the Polka Dot Challenge, a London-Paris ride and the Etape, so I'll get a good idea of how sore I'll get very soon!

As for Chamois cream, I have yet to find a cycling shop in the UK that can sell me any. I buy all mine in France. Can anyone help?

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