I developed sciatic nerve pain after doing the Assault On Mt. Mitchell last year. After much research, I concluded that my problem was brought on by the fact that I had done so much training in the weeks leading up to the event. It wasn't the training itself that did it, it was the fact that 90 % of the climbing I did was seated. I tried physical therapy and chiropractic to alleviate the pain to no avail. Finally, I had an epidural and within a week I was pain free. I eased back into cycling slowly after that. Now, in addition to thorough stretching and core strengthening routines, I try to alternate sitting and standing while climbing as much as possible. A year has passed since then and so far, all is well.