Originally Posted by bobframe

I came across the recommendation while preparing for the ride and interviewed several people who'd done the tour in the past. The issue of saddle sores came up and what I learned was that saddle sores are infections that are the product of bacteria found in dirty riding shorts (unavoidable) and a slight tear in the skin caused by (drum roll please) friction. The lube prevents the friction, which prevents the skin tear which keeps the bacteria out of the body which prevents the infection. So Lube=No Saddle Sores.