Fifty Plus (50+) - Post hurricane Rita ride - lessons learned

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FarHorizon
09-25-05, 08:48 AM
Since this Sunday morning was breezy and cool after hurricane Rita, I lit out for a commune with nature and "thank-you-to-God" ride. Normally, when I ride, I stage my segments into 30-minute stages, after which I get off the bike, walk for a couple of minutes, and rehydrate.

Because the breeze was so pleasant, I continued riding this morning until an hour had passed in the saddle. When I got off, instant and intense prostate-area pain almost caused me to faint! After bending over at an angle for about five minutes, I was able to walk. After another five minutes of walking, I was able to get back on the bike and (slowly) pedal home. :(

From now on, I'll be more conscientious about minding my "stop every 30 minutes" schedule! Fortunately, there seems to be no lasting damage, and I'll (hopefully) be able to ride again tomorrow. Obviously, I won't be doing any fast centuries in my remaining life, but if I can continue to ride (despite my need to stop frequently), I look forward to doing so.

Digital Gee
09-25-05, 10:20 AM
Hey you! You be careful out there! Maybe get a watch with an alarm set to go off every thirty minutes? In any event, we want you riding another forty years or more. Glad everything turned out okay.
GrannyGear
09-25-05, 11:32 AM
Take Care Far Horizon.......your 30 min rule sounds useful to many of us. It might keep that death-grip-on-the-bars petrifaction of body and mind from setting in...and keep all of us riding farther and, more importantly, for a lot longer. Anyway, aint it s'posed to be fun...otherwise we should go join a spin class...aargh!

But I also can sympathize with being seduced by a wonderful day as miles slide by.

freeranger
09-25-05, 12:22 PM
Was that using the new Specialized Milano saddle you just got? Sounds like time to find a more prostate-friendly saddle. Luckily, so far, no prostate problems. I've got an old Terry Liberator Sport (men's & I haven't ever seen another "Sport" model) and can spend hours without pain. But we all know how saddles are-very individual as to what works for who. If it is the saddle, hope you find one that works for ya in the future.
FarHorizon
09-25-05, 01:46 PM
Was that using the new Specialized Milano saddle you just got?

Yeah, but I don't think the saddle was to blame. I've ALWAYS been uncomfortable on ANY saddle after about 30 minutes. Even sitting bolt-upright on my old Electra Townie (with springs and all) it was still the same. 30 minutes is just my max time for not getting up & moving around. I think it is a tribute to the comfort of the Milano saddle that I was even ABLE to keep riding for an hour before I noticed discomfort while pedaling.

Thanks for all the sympathy - Like I said - my mistake = my pain. Next time, I'll keep an eye on the elapsed time!