When will the hurting stop

oldrider

A similar question to the "Is this normal?" thread below. I rode forever when I was younger and quit for a few years. I'm back in it now and riding to work daily (about 19 miles round trip) and 10-20 on weekends. I'm having similar pains in the same area, notably soreness around the groin area. Unlike the other person, my pain is more of a dull throbbing soreness in the general area that contacts the saddle. It decreases after a mile or two but has not yet subsided entirely (I've been riding again for about 2 weeks now). Odd as I never had any similar pains the last time I rode seriously. Any comments/suggestions/similar experiences?

bornagainroadie

Conditioning takes time. You are starting a new fitness regime that affects your physique. Your muscles need to adapt. You may have some bruising or pressure pain from you weight on the saddle. The Pro's are super conditioned and ride saddles that would bruise most of us after an hour! Your choice of saddle is important, as well as shorts.
Saddles are a "sore" point with most riders, and finding the right one is difficult sometimes. Over time your body will adapt to riding and anything that you can do to assist in the comfort of riding should be investigated. The older you are the more important this seems to be. It took me about 2 yrs of riding to condition my body for the saddle. The more I rode the more I could ride, but I ride with the best shorts I can afford and the best saddle.
Both are paramount for long hours in the saddle or high mileage. I use a Saddleco Flow and Louis Gaurneu Pro shorts. I also use "Bag Balm" for every ride (protects the skin)and I keep very clean before and after riding. I think good personal hygene helps alot.
Keep riding!