OK, so last week I did my first 20 miler. I had today off so I decided to do another. After all, Gary said once you did one the rest were like brief afternnon rides. I went down to the Blackstone River Rail Trail to avoid traffic. It's under construction so you can only go 3.5 miles from my end. Anyway I did three round trips, into a strong headwind half the way. Bingo 21 miles. I had to leave to go do other things so I headed to the car to pack up. Now my butt hurt, my legs hurt, my hands hurt, and one foot was slightly numb. Yet I was pissed I couldn't stay for another trip and make it 28 for the day. What's wrong with me? Am I sick? Is it some kind of cyclitis?

check the tilt of your saddle the nose, up, down or is it level as well as leg length/saddle height

Is it some kind of cyclitis? yep, ya want more.
the signs of a masochism, enjoy the pleasure/pain sensations of riding

I wouldn't worry about it. Apart from some bike adjustments, let your body tell you how far to go.

My plan has been to take an easy day after a hard day. Three weeks of increasing distance then a week of easy distance. At least one rest day a week. The Training & Nutrition forum would give you more detailed and better advice.

Welcome to the club! You're hooked now! What did Lance say -- "It doesn't get easier, you just go farther?" (I've probably got that wrong...) Anyway -- love your attitude. You're hooked now, my friend. You have two choices: find a 12-step program immediately, or enjoy your new life as a cyclist!

"It doesn't get easier, you just go farther?"

I think maybe it was:

"It doesn't get easier, you just go faster?"

BTW, we rode up to Oceanside again today, and got caught in the rain. My wife waited at a burger shop while I rode back and got the car. Actually, riding in the rain was quite pleasant, even though I was woefully unprepared!

This is how you should have felt last week- so perhaps faster speed- bigger hills- more effort put in? Then again perhaps you did not go far enough through the pain barrier. When it hurts- you just keep going and everything just fades away. Your butt gets so numb that you cannot feel it- The numb foot would have had no feeling in it, and the legs would have adjusted themselves so that the pain was in every joint and muscle- so you would have been able to sense which bit hurt the most so you would not have concentrated on it. Bit worried about the hand though- You dare not push them that hard as it will not be possible to eat a pie with numb hands.

Endorphines. It's the endorphines. Runner's high.

You needed another lap about the trail!

Welcome to cycling, just got back from a 30 mile ride and my left foot is a bit numb from the clipless pedal, my right knee is sending signals for ice, my hamstrings need a good stretch, and I feel great, wanted to go farther but family obligations called, plan is to do about 50 miles tomorrow. You have joined that group of folks to feed the beast (the right amount of pain can be nature's way of telling you, you are working hard, learn where the balancing line is)

Sounds like your bike may need a bit of adjusting. Get a book or go to your local lbs.

You never know. Till I moved my seat back, my left hand was getting pins and needles after about 3 miles. Now its good.