Saddle, Sore: Ride Comfortable, Ride Happy

by Molly Hurford

If you were on a ride and sprained your ankle, would you say something to the group you were riding with? Obviously, you wouldn't just suffer in silence. But what about when you're out on a ride and you realize that you've gone completely numb 'down there, ' or you're chafing so badly you're afraid you're bleeding? Most people don't speak up in that case. Most will suffer in silence, come home and have no idea why they have massive saddle sores-if they realize what a saddle sore even looks like-or how to treat it. Your level of experience doesn't matter. I know riders from beginners to pros who have questions about their bodies that they aren't comfortable asking bike shop employees, coaches or even their doctors. We've been conditioned not to talk in public about our nether-regions, and that lack of communication is hurting our riding-making it a lot less fun. Riding shouldn't be uncomfortable. You shouldn't be getting saddle sores every ride. Cramping shouldn't make you cry on the bike. And you shouldn't be wearing your underwear with your bike shorts. Enter 'Saddle, Sore': the first guide to answer all of these embarrassing, awkward or just plain weird questions that you have about the bike and those sensitive areas. In this second edition, gynecologist, doctors, naturopaths, saddle makers, chamois designers, pelvic floor specialists, midwives, team soigneurs, and more, come together to provide their best tips. You'll learn how to diagnose and treat saddle sores, how to choose a saddle and chamois, whether a pad is better than a tampon, what causes numbness on the bike, how to get back to riding after pregnancy, and so much more. You'll also find new chapters-including a section for male riders-and many questions that have been asked and answered since the first edition came out in 2014.

108 pages, Paperback

Published October 5, 2016

About the author

Cycling is my passion, writing is my life, and luckily, I’ve found an amazing way to combine the two. In addition to freelance writing and editing, I’m the author of "Saddle, Sore: Ride Comfortable, Ride Happy," "Mud, Snow and Cyclocross" and "Fuel Your Ride."

I’m also a Level 3 coach with USA Cycling, and spend a lot of time traveling hosting talks and clinics for cyclists.

My husband Peter and I spend most of our time on the road, in search of good riding and great adventures. We also cohost our podcast, The Consummate Athlete.

For more on Saddle, Sore: SaddleSoreBook.com

To follow my adventures: @mollyjhurford on Instagram and Twitter

Reviews

[Rodrigo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for any cyclist

This book is clearly oriented to women but many knowledge is worth for men as well.
Highly recommend since there is no book discussing similar topics.

[Meg]

If you spend a lot of time in the saddle you may discover that the parts of your body that connect to the bicycle are unhappy about it in different ways. Hurford would like to talk about all those different ways and how you might be able to prevent that discomfort or what to do when it occurs. Most of the books is written with women in the forefront, there is one chapter on testicle specific issues, but in general I think the advice is applicable across the board : proper bike fit, proper saddle fit, no underwear with your chamois, chamois cream, stand up occasionally, remove shorts and shower immediately after a ride, get used to talking about your nether regions if you are having issues. I remember having to hove up to my LBS and say "My saddle makes my genitals numb after about an hour of riding" and, after trying out all the saddles they had on hand, found one that didn't. My first 14hr ride still turned my butt to mincemeat but I think that was due to 14hrs in a chamois problems. Uh.

Be aware that if you are enby or trans without bottom surgery the language is pretty exclusionary, a lot of "lady parts" etc.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick, good read. It validated some of the issues I had which stumped my cycling husband. And it convinced me to try some bib shorts.