Saturday, April 20, 2013

First Class Seating


In just about 8 weeks (June 16), I’ll be heading out for a 50 day, 3,667 mile bike ride across North America – starting in Oregon and ending, God willing, in New Hampshire. And I’m travelling first class. Here’s a picture of my seat, or as known to cyclists, my saddle. When I’ve shown this to others, most have reacted by saying, “OUCH!!”
While I admit, the saddle can, at times, get to be a pain in the you-know-what, for the most part, it is pretty comfortable, despite the lack of padding. Granted, it does take some getting used to and it helps if you ride a lot.  You have to develop all the muscles you use and the glutes are the major muscle group used in cycling. My saddle measures 6 inches across at its widest point and 11 inches from the back to the tip of the nose. I figure it gives me just a little less than 30 square inches to ride on.  Not much for such a long trip.

Perhaps the first thing you have to realize is that it’s not going to be like a first class seat in a jet (not even coach) and it’s not really there to nestle into like you would in an easy chair. Where a seat is designed to support all your weight, a saddle is made to support part of your weight. It’s actually there to provide one of 3 points of balance – saddle, handlebars and pedals.  Believe it or not, a lot of science has gone into the development of the bicycle saddle. As uncomfortable as it might look, it has taken nearly 150 years of ongoing improvements for the saddle to evolve into its present form. It is designed to provide just enough surface area in the back for the “sit” bones (the ischial tuberosities) to rest. While the rear of the seat supports your sit bones, the front (nose) of the seat is designed to help control the bike with your thighs and support some body weight. Because the legs are up and down thousands of times on a ride, the nose of the saddle is as narrow as it is so there is as little as possible to get in the way – otherwise there can be a lot of chafing!  And softer is not always better. Softer saddles actually provide less support for the muscles. It’s the same as a bed. I much prefer a harder mattress.

I will admit that riding day after day, mile after mile can, at times create some problems for the back side. I do wonder how I will hold up for 50 days. I’ve known a few guys that have had some problems along the way. There are some tips I’ve learned over the years, but I’ll spare you the details. I just hope they work.  The biggest thing is to prepare. For the next few weeks I hope to be in the saddle at least 3 to 4 days a week. After I retire (May 10), I’ll be on the road 5 or 6 days a week, trying to get both my legs and my rear “point of balance” in condition.

 I’ll try to write a few times before I leave and I hope to keep you posted regularly once the ride begins.  If you have any questions about the trip or cycling in general, please let me know and I’ll try to address them in future posts. 

 Part of the reason I’m riding across country is to raise funds for Catholic Social Services in Columbus. I’ve spent the last 10 years there as CEO and am still impressed by the great work our staff does. I ask for your consideration in supporting my ride by donating whatever you can to CSS. Just visit www.colscss.org and go to the donate page. In the comment section, just make a note “Don’s Bike Ride.”  For whatever you’re able to provide, thank you.

 I’ll see you on the road. May the wind be at your back!