Stylo328

I did my first Metric Century today. It actually just happened. I had taken my bike down to Miami with me, hoping to get in with a group. While down there I stopped into a shop to pick up a jersey and the owner told me about the ride. It was the Everglades Bicycle Club’s annual century. I had never ridden anything over 35-miles and seeing as I will be doing the MS 150 next month, thought this might be a great opportunity to test the waters.

I arrived early to register and was pretty shocked to see how MANY people were there, it was an hour before the start time and there were at least 100-150 cyclists. I had never seen so many riders in one spot. Incredibly though, by the time the ride started, there must have been 500 people there if not more. What an amazing experience to see so many athletes in full sets, riding some of the most beautiful bikes I have ever seen. It really was awe-inspiring.

As for the ride, the first 10-miles were great. I had a nice tempo and was riding with a group just beyond my limits. I was pushing myself and felt good. Suddenly boom, my rear tire exploded. Fortunately, the experienced riders behind me guided me out of the group and helped me steer off to the side. I changed out the tube and off I went again. Unfortunately I had lost that group, but after a while came upon another with a similar pace.

I rode with the second group for the next 20 or so miles. It was impressive to see the use of hand signals and the structure amongst them; it gave me a real sense of cycling as I had never experienced. For the remainder of the ride, I found myself riding with various groups, some faster others slower, but they all shared a great demeanor and were overall welcoming. I was careful to not make the typical newbie mistakes and tried to learn as much as I could from watching them.

The last 12-miles were HELL. I rode my new bike with the Specialized Toupe saddle and by mile 50, my ARSE was sore beyond belief. I found myself standing regularly to escape the discomfort. Fortunately I was able to finish though and am really glad I did it. I have no intention of trading in my saddle, but do think I will invest in something more comfortable for these longer rides. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks for reading my long post; I am just so psyched about the whole experience. Thanks to any who may read this and participated today.

vpiuva

Do you have good shorts/bibs? That will help, as will more long rides in the saddle. Your arse will become more accustomed to the pain.

Stoeger

A little more seat time should help your sore sit bones, mine are still hurting as well.

Savagewolf

I second the shorts/bibs comment. I have one pair of cycling tights that don't have much in the padding department. Compared to my best pair of shorts, nice padding, there is a huge difference in how sore I am.

Stylo328

I had been riding with some descent Pearl Izumi shorts. This weekend, I picked up some Luis Garmond (sp?) shorts with a really nice pad. I wore those today. Iw it werent for them, I dont think I would have lasted as long as I did.

sprcoop

I'm thinking that going from a long ride of 35 to 62 has a lot to do with the discomfort. When you build up to 100 then at 62 your arse will think it has been in a lazy boy all day.