Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - Post Tour Considerations

Sorry to start another thread, but this didn't seem to fit in with the last one.....

It's now six days since I finished my two week tour. I'm still trying to sort out lingering issues, both physical and psychological.

Most of the physical problems I've had - soreness in the right knee, bug bites, sunburn, etc, are clearing up, and the numbness in two fingers on my left hand is subsiding. However, the chafing I experienced on tour is still there, despite my time away from the bike. I had treated it with A & D Ointment during the tour, with some success. Once I stopped riding I stopped using it, and the chafing shows no sign of clearing up on its own. How long do I need to use the ointment before it clears up? I'm hesitating to resume riding at this point.

Meanwhile, I have my usual post-tour depression to deal with. I think it has something to do with a feeling I have that whatever else I do has to top the last tour, or ride, or whatever. I need to treat every ride and tour as an instance of "just ride bikes" as my friend Bautieri would put it.

Keep using the A & D til it clears up as long as it appears to be improving. If it doesn't clear up in another week see a Doc. Possible to get a nasty infection thru that kind of abrasion and turn days off the bike into months.:( That would be tragic for the rest of us who enjoy your posts and photography.

I don't have any advice about the chaffing, but it does sem intuitive to keep using the ointment until clears up.

As for feeling the ned to out do your last adventure I think Bau has it right. Just treat each adventure or ride as it's own entity. Every ride brings it's own experiences and memories. While you will certainly have a "favorite", it doens't mean each and everyone isn't a special time in and of itself.

On a side note, did you get my texts while on tour or have I mangled your cell number in my directory? I suspect the latter.........

I don't have any advice about the chaffing, but it does sem intuitive to keep using the ointment until clears up.

As for feeling the need to out do your last adventure I think Bau has it right. Just treat each adventure or ride as it's own entity. Every ride brings it's own experiences and memories. While you will certainly have a "favorite", it doens't mean each and everyone isn't a special time in and of itself.

On a side note, did you get my texts while on tour or have I mangled your cell number in my directory? I suspect the latter.........

No, I didn't get anything from you. :-(

Yes, Bau, and you, do have it right. Some of the need to top the last time is from a sense of inferiority when I compare myself with other riders. Parts of the Bike Forums tour from Pittsburgh to DC were torture for me even before a poster told me I need an electric bicycle to tour. One reason I chose a different location for the last night near Harper's Ferry is that I didn't want to have to compare myself to fast, thin riders with straight legs.

No, I didn't get anything from you. :-(

Yes, Bau, and you, do have it right. Some of the need to top the last time is from a sense of inferiority when I compare myself with other riders. Parts of the Bike Forums tour from Pittsburgh to DC were torture for me even before a poster told me I need an electric bicycle to tour. One reason I chose a different location for the last night near Harper's Ferry is that I didn't want to have to compare myself to fast, thin riders with straight legs.

I transposed two digits in your numaber. Someone is probably still baffled by the clyclese texts they got, lol.

Yea, I've dodged a group ride or two because I knew I couldn't keep up. It doesn't change the fact that I view every day I ride as a gift. Cycling was once a way of life for me and injuries took it away for a very long time. When I got back on the bike I had a new definition of accomplishment, and it works for me.

Some of aren't as young as we used to be and some of have additional challenges to overcome just to ride. It doesn't make what we do any more special than someone else but it does mean we have to redefine what success is for us and not get caught up in the "norm". Everytime you ride or tour you defy the odds, and that's pretty damn cool.

Lest you forget, there some folks you had never met who rode out to meet you and ride with you. There were others still who helped out with transportation and lodging. Why is it you think this happened? It's because you are a fellow cyclist who was doing something we all wish were doing with you. You're not just a cyclist, you are a cyclist many of us aspire to be.

Lest you forget, there some folks you had never met who rode out to meet you and ride with you. There were others still who helped out with transportation and lodging. Why is it you think this happened? It's because you are a fellow cyclist who was doing something we all wish were doing with you. You're not just a cyclist, you are a cyclist many of us aspire to be.
I have certainly found The Historian to be an inspiration. I was glad for the chance to meet him when he came through the DC area.

It really helps to be able to identify with someone and what they are doing. I've never been an athletic type, more of a bookworm as a kid. So I don't identify with those I classify as jocks. When I hear of someone climbing thousands of feet of steep hills and maintaining a decent speed I think "that's an athlete, I couldn't do that". I'm not young anymore, I need reasonable goals.

I recall reading of studies last year about how important your peers are in setting your behavior. If you have friends that eat a lot, you probably will, if you have spendthrift friends, you'll likely be broke. You're probably in real trouble if you have a slower metabolism or less income than your friends. You'll feel like a real loser. My point is that it's very helpful to find peers with similar problems that are working to overcome them. The Internet has made that much easier to do. And here I am, gaining inspiration from The Historian and others here.

I can see how biking with a bunch of thinner, fitter, maybe even younger riders would get The Historian down. We try not to compare ourselves to others, but it's nearly impossible not to. It helps to focus on your own accomplishments and how far you've come since a low point in your life. If you currently are at a low point you're going to need another strategy, I suppose.

I transposed two digits in your numaber. Someone is probably still baffled by the clyclese texts they got, lol.

Yea, I've dodged a group ride or two because I knew I couldn't keep up. It doesn't change the fact that I view every day I ride as a gift. Cycling was once a way of life for me and injuries took it away for a very long time. When I got back on the bike I had a new definition of accomplishment, and it works for me.

Some of aren't as young as we used to be and some of have additional challenges to overcome just to ride. It doesn't make what we do any more special than someone else but it does mean we have to redefine what success is for us and not get caught up in the "norm". Everytime you ride or tour you defy the odds, and that's pretty damn cool.

Lest you forget, there some folks you had never met who rode out to meet you and ride with you. There were others still who helped out with transportation and lodging. Why is it you think this happened? It's because you are a fellow cyclist who was doing something we all wish were doing with you. You're not just a cyclist, you are a cyclist many of us aspire to be.

You are right. Unfortunately I'm prone to episodes of self-pity and sometimes project that onto other people. I'd rather people want to meet me and ride with me because I'm Neil, or The Historian if you prefer, than because I'm a pig-headed structurally challenged fellow.

You are right. Unfortunately I'm prone to episodes of self-pity and sometimes project that onto other people. I'd rather people want to meet me and ride with me because I'm Neil, or The Historian if you prefer, than because I'm a pig-headed structurally challenged fellow.

Trust me on this one, we want to ride with Neil, the pig headed Historian. The structral anomolies have nothing to do with it.

I have certainly found The Historian to be an inspiration. I was glad for the chance to meet him when he came through the DC area.


Right back at ya, LandKurt!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2427/3672145788_acafc2a5ac_b.jpg

Also, it might be time to start thinking about new gloves.....

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2476/3670702059_417dba3342_b.jpg

That's right Neil, just ride bikes. The rest will fall in line like it normally does.

So what is wrong with the gloves? I just see some yellow polka dots on it, nothing is sticking out as glaringly wrong...

There are far more of us normal people (those of us who don't fit the mold for attractiveness and structural integrity) than of the sleek ultra fit types that adorn the pages and airwaves of the media.

I need to remember that, too, as it will sometimes keep me from doing something for fear of appearing foolish. (touring, swimming in public, going for a night out) It took a huge step for me just to be seen on a bicycle or be seen in a gym.

You've already done more than most "fit" people could and have experiences that others who lack the fortitude to tour for themselves. (raising hand and pointing to self)
The point is many of us dream of touring and find reasons not to.
You in all your glory have taken the plunge, and reaped the rewards for all your efforts.

Good on ya Neil
Good on ya

As you and I spoke about on the phone, I have begun looking at my first tour. It is still a ways off, but I am amazed at the level of preparation that is going to be needed to pull off a tour like you just finished. I work with logistical issues for a living and the logistical aspects of a multi-day tour are daunting. There is no way to put as much time and effort into a tour like this without having some post ride let down. There is also a matter of transition from the sense of freedom that I am sure you must experience on tour to the restrictions of daily life when you return home. Give yourself a little time to recuperate and then go ride! Keep up the good work!

That's right Neil, just ride bikes. The rest will fall in line like it normally does.

So what is wrong with the gloves? I just see some yellow polka dots on it, nothing is sticking out as glaringly wrong...

The fabric is beginning to wear through front and back.

I did ten miles tonight, some of it exploring what I'm going to call "Josh's 'secret' trail" in another thread, and the darn Brooks tore me up again. I'm officially retiring it until I can solve the problems I'm having with it. The sides are bowing out when I sit on it, leading to chafing on the inner thighs, and I'm sinking into the middle, leading to what Tom Stormcrowe described as "hammock bruising" at the base of the scrotum. I think lacing the sides and having an anatomic cutout made should save the saddle, if it's worth saving. An alternate would be switching to a Brooks Imperial or Selle Anatomica.

However, the chafing I experienced on tour is still there, despite my time away from the bike. I had treated it with A & D Ointment during the tour, with some success. Once I stopped riding I stopped using it, and the chafing shows no sign of clearing up on its own. How long do I need to use the ointment before it clears up? I'm hesitating to resume riding at this point.

Sounds like you may have an infection. I'd suggest switching to an ointment with antibiotics & seeing a doc. If the antibiotic ointment doesn't help try an anti-fungal one.

I did ten miles tonight, some of it exploring what I'm going to call "Josh's 'secret' trail" in another thread, and the darn Brooks tore me up again. I'm officially retiring it until I can solve the problems I'm having with it. The sides are bowing out when I sit on it, leading to chafing on the inner thighs, and I'm sinking into the middle, leading to what Tom Stormcrowe described as "hammock bruising" at the base of the scrotum. I think lacing the sides and having an anatomic cutout made should save the saddle, if it's worth saving. An alternate would be switching to a Brooks Imperial or Selle Anatomica.

I did 22 miles today on a so-called "comfort saddle" and got chewed up again. It's at the same three points - the back of the thigh where it joins the pelvis and the pubic bone.

I wonder if it's the padding that's contributing to the problem. Perhaps I need to ditch a chamois, like my friend vXhanz did.

Meanwhile, I'm afraid to ride my bike. :( It's been two weeks since my tour.

I did 22 miles today on a so-called "comfort saddle" and got chewed up again. It's at the same three points - the back of the thigh where it joins the pelvis and the pubic bone.

I wonder if it's the padding that's contributing to the problem. Perhaps I need to ditch a chamois, like my friend vXhanz did.

Meanwhile, I'm afraid to ride my bike. :( It's been two weeks since my tour.

Try sending the Brooks to Monarch McLaren (http://www.selleanatomica.com/dollar%20buyer.htm) to have them cut a Selle Anatomica style slot in it. Then lace the sides to keep it from sagging. I've been pretty happy with the results to my B-17. Sorry that I didn't show it to you when we were on the Abandoned Turnpike ride.

Neil, is it raw skin or is there a wound and seepage? If it's raw skin, you may need to use Desitin or Desenex spray for a while to clear up a skin fungal infection (Jock itch and Athlete's Foot is exactly the same fungus, but Jock Itch can also get VERY painful). You might also try Dermaplast spray, in the red can, it has a local anasthetic and is antibacterial. RAAM riders use it for Saddle Soreness on the race across the country. If it's a wound, you need to stay off the bike for a bit to let it heal, and see a Dr.

You may need to use a Silver Sulfadiazin cream if it's a wound as a protectant/antibacterial barrier. That's a prescription cream, by the way and does not create antibiotic resistant bacteria. It's used for burns, skin grafts, chronic wounds and cellulitis infections.

Neil, is it raw skin or is there a wound and seepage? If it's raw skin, you may need to use Desitin or Desenex spray for a while to clear up a skin fungal infection (Jock itch and Athlete's Foot is exactly the same fungus, but Jock Itch can also get VERY painful). You might also try Dermaplast spray, in the red can, it has a local anasthetic and is antibacterial. RAAM riders use it for Saddle Soreness on the race across the country. If it's a wound, you need to stay off the bike for a bit to let it heal, and see a Dr.

You may need to use a Silver Sulfadiazin cream if it's a wound as a protectant/antibacterial barrier. That's a prescription cream, by the way and does not create antibiotic resistant bacteria. It's used for burns, skin grafts, chronic wounds and cellulitis infections.

Raw skin only as far as I can tell. No cuts or open sores.

The hot weather hasn't helped matters; I sweat a lot 'down there' and moisture is always a problem. I switched to synthetic underwear from cotton, which means I no longer have any chafing problems sitting in my computer chair here or in my office. Before then I was having problems off the bike, which concerns me a little. :)

I've started to use an anti-fungal cream as well.

The chafing problem began after the first day on tour - 60 miles on the Montour Trail, including hill-climbing on the trail detours. I forgot my chamois creme and rode it 'dry' in very humid conditions. I began to have problems the next day. And the next. I didn't get 'lubed' until day four, and didn't get Desitin until the third day of the ride home. (As you can tell, my pig-headedness applies to more than just riding with a broken rib.)

Let me add I've had some problems with chafing since I first began to ride. I accept some of it as normal. This is far beyond what I'd consider 'normal.'

Try sending the Brooks to Monarch McLaren (http://www.selleanatomica.com/dollar%20buyer.htm) to have them cut a Selle Anatomica style slot in it. Then lace the sides to keep it from sagging. I've been pretty happy with the results to my B-17. Sorry that I didn't show it to you when we were on the Abandoned Turnpike ride.

You did show it to me. I'll contact them. Perhaps they can lace the sides too, since I'm not skilled enough to do that. (I'm frightened to take a knife to my Brooks.)

Sounds like you need to take a break to let things heal up, then. Wear loose shorts and go Cmmando, whenever you can get away with it to let things dry up and heal. Use the Desitin of Desenex or other anitfungal powder, and if it hasn't cleared up in a week, see a Dr, as it may be cellulitis, if that's the case.


Raw skin only as far as I can tell. No cuts or open sores.

The hot weather hasn't helped matters; I sweat a lot 'down there' and moisture is always a problem. I switched to synthetic underwear from cotton, which means I no longer have any chafing problems sitting in my computer chair here or in my office. Before then I was having problems off the bike, which concerns me a little. :)

I've started to use an anti-fungal cream as well.

The chafing problem began after the first day on tour - 60 miles on the Montour Trail, including hill-climbing on the trail detours. I forgot my chamois creme and rode it 'dry' in very humid conditions. I began to have problems the next day. And the next. I didn't get 'lubed' until day four, and didn't get Desitin until the third day of the ride home. (As you can tell, my pig-headedness applies to more than just riding with a broken rib.)

Let me add I've had some problems with chafing since I first began to ride. I accept some of it as normal. This is far beyond what I'd consider 'normal.'