Shorts, Liners, Tights

[EGHama]

Thanks all, for the comments and advice.  Like all the other first timers, I am excitedly soaking it all up.  This site has been great for finding good info, proffered by actual bike riders and those who tour.  Hope to meet up with you old pros one day on the road.

[ray b]

Hope to meet up with you old pros one day on the road.

Right - emphasis on the word, old.

Strikes me, the old part might make us a group selected for our ability to ride long distances with less "saddle" discomfort than others. Maybe, or maybe not, the best group to give advice.

One last image - most strong riders (think professionals) don't carry a lot of weight on the saddle. When cranking, I still feel the saddle is there more for balance and stability than a place to sit. (Those "cranking" moments become fewer and shorter with age)

Think of Cindy Whitehead-Buccowich winning the 1986, 50-mile, Sierra 7500 without a seat.

Although our efficiency goes down a little when we stand on the pedals, don't be afraid to get out of the saddle if your shorts (and chammy and saddle) don't feel right. I feel like I spend many of my second and third days on tour out of the saddle about 70% of the time.

[HikeBikeCook]

I have had days when touring on gravel that I have resorted to my 5 for 5 routines in the afternoons. Basically I either stand or dismount for 5 minutes every 5 miles or so to stretch and give the butt a break. Good to stretch the back and shoulders as well. On paved roads it is more like 2 for 10 or 15 miles