Re: [RC] Comfort Issues on Long Rides - Mike LewisThank you, Karen. Looks like the saddle covers will fix part of the problem. I'll check both sources and see which fits my needs best. I've grown to hate half chaps... trying to stay as "minimalist" as possible, as I've found that less is best when it comes to the heat of summer or dealing with life after water crossings, etc. Thanks again, Mike --- Karen Sullivan <greymare56@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote: Hi Mike, I rode Sport Saddles for about 13 years with no problems at all with rubbing or chafing (even when I didn't shave my legs <g>)...from your post saying something about the flaps and the half chaps, sounds like you are not riding with any kind of fleece or sheepskin saddle cover....this is a must, in my book....it eliminates any problem from the flaps, or stirrups... there are several very good covers that completely cover the seat and go all the way down to the top of the stirrups.... Long Riders Gear makes a long-line saddle cover from Skito, made out of skito fleece, that is hard wearing and washable....for about $90 I think... For the absolute best, try one of Tammy Stucki's custom made sport saddle fitted sheepskin covers...she gives you a measurement chart, and you send her certain measurements of your saddle, what you get is a totally fitted cover (fitted over cantle too), and goes to top of stirrups....totally fitted....her email is tammycs@xxxxxxxxxxxxx I can't imagine riding in a sport saddle without some kind of fleece cover; I also ride in carousel padded tights....never had to use half chaps with the cover. The cover ends up being warm in the winter,and cool in the summer....and also does protect the saddle... Karen ----- Original Message ----- From: "Mike Lewis" <mlewis73@xxxxxxxxx> To: <ridecamp@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> Sent: Wednesday, February 14, 2007 7:57 AM Subject: [RC] Comfort Issues on Long RidesI've dealt with significant pain while riding in the past, but nowthat Iwant to get into 50 to 100 mile races am finding that my ability to"justdeal with" the pain comes up a bit short when ride times get beyond3-4hours. Specifically, I'm losing skin on the back of my legs while riding and dealing with inner calves that are numb from riding. I've come inmorethan once with bloody legs and a bloody bum from chaffing. My attire consists of riding tights that are padded in the bottom,knees,and inner calf areas, so I'm not sure why I'm having such a roughtime. Irode in running shoes last weekend but won't do that again as I'velearnedthat my ankles need better support. I ride in a Sports Saddle withthestandard stirrup fenders. Being a man with hairy legs, I assume the skin loss problem can besolvedonly by checking my pride and shaving my legs. I'm guessing the numb calves can be solved by lowering the stirrups a bit so that thestirrupleathers don't put pressure on them. These are starting points, butI'minterested in knowing what others who have experienced these issues suggest. What clothing/equipment choices might remedy these problems? I'veriddenin half chaps before but found that they interfere with the flaps onmysaddle... Not sure if I can send the saddle back so it can be fittedwithlower flaps on each side. Thank you for any suggestions. Mike =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Ridecamp is a service of Endurance Net, http://www.endurance.net. Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/Ridecamp Subscribe/Unsubscribe http://www.endurance.net/ridecamp/logon.asp Ride Long and Ride Safe!! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Ridecamp is a service of Endurance Net, http://www.endurance.net. Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/Ridecamp Subscribe/Unsubscribe http://www.endurance.net/ridecamp/logon.asp Ride Long and Ride Safe!! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Ridecamp is a service of Endurance Net, http://www.endurance.net. Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/Ridecamp Subscribe/Unsubscribe http://www.endurance.net/ridecamp/logon.asp Ride Long and Ride Safe!! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
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