I have a bad back but the big surprise is that the somewhat stretched out position with drop bars feels good. I use 28mm tires with as little pressure as possible for my weight and so far all is well with my back. Saddle comfort is a big mystery. One would think that a soft, plush surface would be the most comfortable. My experience is in line with the advice I've seen here. Plush is good for 10 miles only. After that, minimal padding on whatever configuration fits your anatomy and no one can predict which saddle that will be. It may be the present saddle will be fine.

Weather here is pretty nuts also. Sunday past I went on a nice ride with the Narragansett Bay Wheelmen. They had rides of 14, 18, 31 and 43 miles and there were 50 to 70 people. Last night and this AM there was an inch of snow that is now gone and I'll soon go ride for a few hours. Living around here is not boring.