The century was hard - I'll post another thread in "General Cycling" about my experiences - but I made the right call with the saddle and bar changes. I didn't have anywhere near the same saddle discomfort after I moved the saddle back and titled it up a couple of degrees. I was also able to get my torso more stretched out and elbows bent more which avoided the tension caused by having my arms too straight. Getting a bit longer allowed me to get back back straighter by engaging my core and have my head in a more vertical position.

I did have a bit should and neck tension - probably normal for nearly 7.5 hours in the saddle - but it was much more manageable than the last ride.

I definitely need to work on the following:

1) core strength to allow a relaxed upper body

2) arm strength to allow periods of putting a bit more weight on the arms when the core tires

3) develop neck and should muscles to help keep my cannon-ball head supported!

John.