SpongeDad

On long rides (>50miles), my buns are intensely sore when I get back on the bike after any sort of a short rest stop. It takes at least a mile or two to work this out.

Any remedies for this? Or is this just part of life on two wheels?

Patriot

Not really. It's just your butt saying,

"ARE YOU KIDDING ME? GET THE HECK OFF THIS DANG THING!!"

A few minutes later....

"Aw heck, FINE!!!"

cc_rider

You may have to bring a spare butt on your next ride.

SpongeDad

But[t] I worked so hard to reduce the size of the one I have! Anyway, there's usually more than enough a$$es around when I go for a ride.

my58vw

The only thing in agony after a rest stops are my legs that have cooled down a bit...


But I was able to go 24 MPH before we stopped... (Ya and my butt get sore too sometimes)

Velo Dog

Assuming you'd like at least a shot at a solution (though I like the one about bringing a spare butt...), a couple of suggestions:
If you're still getting into shape this season, time may take care of it. My legs usually get used to riding sooner than my butt does. I did a long climb a couple of days ago with hardly any complaints from my quads, but my @ss hurt for two-thirds of it.
If the pain is in a spot or two, rather than being butt-wide, do you have a seam or something rubbing? I have one pair of REI shorts that feels great for about half an hour, then begins to chafe. Over about 20 miles, they're really painful.
Making your stops shorter might help. Sounds counterintuitive, but it's often easier for me to get going again after a three-minute pee-and-drink stop than after I relax for 10 or 15 minutes.
And there's always the Brooks B-17, the cure for all butt ailments.

pearcem

if it's a saddle type pain, you may want to adjust your nose up/down a little, or just give it some time on longer rides; after doing enough of them, your butt will be more used to sitting on the seat for so long. If it's muscular soreness from hard work, make sure not to sit still for too long during your rest stops and you may want to stretch your glutes before getting back on.

Kickingback

I am sure you are using Chamie Cream before you ride. That helps out for awhile. If you can put some in a little baggie and when you break just apply some more and you should be ok again for awhile.

trayer350

Get a new saddle. WTB solved my problems. Huge differences exist between saddle comfort, even though the feel the same when on the store shelves. An uncomfortable saddle will deter you from riding, ruin your biking experience and, ultimately, end the fat reduction and aerobic exercise program you might be or might not be on.

SpongeDad

I'm hesitant to get a new saddle, although the one I have isn't super cushy (Selle Italia SLR Gel Flow). I moved to this saddle to make the plumbing a lot more comfortable.

From the comments, it may just be that I'm not used to riding this distance combined with taking too much of a break at the rest stops.

I don't think it's a friction or seam issue. The pain was concentrated on two points, presumably my sit bones.

Thanks all.

pearcem

if it's concentrated on the sit bones, i would just give it some time. I did an extra long ride today and experienced the same thing. If it doesn't go away after riding longer distances for a while, try some different shorts before trying a new saddle.

chrisesposito

Funny you should mention this. Cascade Bike Club (Seattle-area) had a century ride today, and the park where it began and ended has a velodrome. and when we were done riding we saw some track races. A few of the riders had on what can only be described as a huge, bulbous, flesh-colored pair of strap-on butt-cheeks. I so surprised to see them I didn't notice of the riders so equipped actually did in their races.

NJWheelBuilder

Think about trying Body Glide. Its a anti-chafing balm for your "saddle contact area ." Great stuff...seriously.

KirkeIsWaiting

that was the saddle I spec'd on my bike.
During the final fit, on the trainer, I knew I didn't like the thing. 30 mins into it I chnged it out to the Arrone, which feels like I have no saddle between me and the bike. That's the way it should be for me.

Guest

Mainly, it's my legs, not my butt! But (no pun intended) once I get rolling again and spin out my legs, I'm ok.

Maybe you should spend some time "declenching" while you're in your rest break. (see "Coupling" out of GB for a full explanation of how to "declench" ).

Koffee

Olebiker

I know the feeling. I used to have that problem when using a leather saddle. I remember just about dying for the first couple of miles on the second day of the Hilly Hundred.

Is your position too upright, placing too much of your weight on the saddle? Folks who subscribe to the Grant Petersen school of bike fit, with the bars level with or higher than the saddle, tend to have a lot more sore butt problems.

See if your LBS has a saddle demo program where you can try another brand or model.