How long til you break in your "sitz bones"
 

Total newbie and I was so proud of myself yesterday when I completed my first (fairly hilly) 4 mile ride...
Am so sore, that today getting back on was painful, especially the seat. Did it anyway...but have to ask any tips or is it just a matter of time, ibuprofen and practice.

Riding a Haro Heartland Cruiser and loving the feel of the breeze when going fast enough to feel it!

You need saddle time to get the butt in shape.

Is it sore as in feels like some kicked you a swift one, or sore as in chaffed and uncomfortable?

Hmmm...
Fine when walking, but the minute my bum hits the seat, it is sore. Kind of bone / pressure sore more than chafed or kicked...

I was only uncomfortable for about a week (7 rides). I also picked up a pair of these and they've helped alot.

Novara Padded Bike Boxers - Men's Extended Sizes

Yeah, give it a week or two - it was closer to 2 weeks for me (doing roughly 1.5 miles) at 385 lbs. I found ibuprofen great for that period. Ride every day if you can, even if it's only a short amount.

Yeah, what he said. I ride nearly everyday now. I started out weighing nearly 300 pounds, and am now down to 239. I still get a little sore now and then, but a good pair of shorts is invaluable. I bought a pair of Hoss shorts. They're great, they look like normal shorts w/ pockets and stuff and they're very durable.

One day you will ride and not notice it any more, just takes time. The best thing is to get out there.

Get yourself a good pair of cycling shorts. I wear the Pearl Izumi Slice ultrasensor shorts. If you're uncomfortable with lycra, then get a pair of MTB baggie shorts. These really help. Also make sure you have a good comfortable saddle--once again I ride on the Specialized Avatar saddle and love it.

Once you've done the above, it will be 1-3 weeks before you ride painfree. Also, don't be afraid to stand in the saddle while riding to relieve pressure on the sit bones.

If your not using bike shorts, get some!

Michael

I was still getting sore after rides even after 3 weeks, so I tinkered with adjusting my saddle height and position forward/aft. This helped immensely, both in comfort and also in more efficient pedaling.

Those hoss shorts look great. My husband (who is similarly sore) would actually wear those (as opposed to traditional bike shorts).... Will look for a similar women's item...

Also thanks for the tips on saddle adjustment. Were you too high or too low?

I was so sore for 3 weeks then gradually got better. when ever i increased distance by more than 3-4 miles i went thru the same 3 weeks. I know of nothing more than adjustment and riding to fix it.

Sometimes I wear traditional cycling shorts. If I feel they would be inappropriate where I am going, I will wear another pair over them.

I am 300 lbs and have been riding for about 3 weeks, my bum hurt for a bit also but once I got my Revive and found the right adjustments for me I am not sore at all anymore. You get used to it, but sometimes you have the seat adjusted wrong also.

My first week was fine, it got better after that.

Whatever you wear on your botto, try using some form of chamois cream as your first layer. My preference is Chamois Butt'r, the cheap stuff. It's non-messy, water soluble, and and it helps keep your parts down there from getting sticky, pinched, and chafed.

For the first week, every day on the hard little road seat hurt worse and worse (riding 2x/day). Then some tendonitis elsewhere forced me off bike for 5 days. When I finally got back on, the seat pain was magically and totally gone, even without bike shorts, and never came back.

My theory is that your sit bones and surrounding flesh may need some days off after the initial break-in if you're riding too enthusiastically for your level at the beginning.

It took me until I got my first recumbent. No more raw hamburger butt.

Assos bibb shorts are padded and work fantastic. The Assos cream also helps immensely. the tender bottom goes away in 3 to 4 weeks. After that you are a hard ass.

The discomfort for me lasted 2 days. I also started out riding with these
I also have a high pain/discomfort tolerance.