So, a bit awkward but here’s the deal - after a couple of long training rides followed by some more riding and then a Half Ironman this past Sunday (first one ever, 5:09) I’ve got a nasty blister/chaffe right behind Big Jim and the twins.
I was scheduled to ride for a couple of hours today, easy but as soon as my ass hit the seat I knew that it wasn’t meant to be. Any suggestions? Is there anyone out there with experience in this regard? How the heck do I sort this out quick? It’s about 6 weeks until IMC and i need to get back out on my bike!
So, a bit awkward but here’s the deal - after a couple of long training rides followed by some more riding and then a Half Ironman this past Sunday (first one ever, 5:09) I’ve got a nasty blister/chaffe right behind Big Jim and the twins.
I was scheduled to ride for a couple of hours today, easy but as soon as my ass hit the seat I knew that it wasn’t meant to be. Any suggestions? Is there anyone out there with experience in this regard? How the heck do I sort this out quick? It’s about 6 weeks until IMC and i need to get back out on my bike!
No suggestions, but i feel your pain. I’ve been doing neosporin and nonstick bandages on road rash on my butt from a crash last week, haven’t been in the saddle in a week.
Chaffing, saddles sores and blisters are all completely different.
My “guess” is that you have a saddle sore, which is pretty much like a blood blister meets pimple. Just bite a bullet, squeeze it as HARD as you can and watch the blood squirt across the room while you scream like it’s your first horror movie. Repeat a few times, put some zit medicine on it and go to bed. It will need another squeeze in the morning and then you’ll be fine.
Longer term…figure out the root of the problem (high seat, bad shorts, use of cream/ASSOS/etc, bad form, etc)
Sounds like a saddle sore…clean it with rubbing alcohol every morning and night and use Neosporin during the day. It should clear up in a couple of days. I’ve been doing this after every ride for the last 6 months or so and have greatly minimized the number of saddle sores I’m getting.
Chaffing, saddles sores and blisters are all completely different.
My “guess” is that you have a saddle sore, which is pretty much like a blood blister meets pimple. Just bite a bullet, squeeze it as HARD as you can and watch the blood squirt across the room while you scream like it’s your first horror movie. Repeat a few times, put some zit medicine on it and go to bed. It will need another squeeze in the morning and then you’ll be fine.
Longer term…figure out the root of the problem (high seat, bad shorts, use of cream/ASSOS/etc, bad form, etc)
I’m going to agree with Diesel here. I had this problem training for IMC last year. I would squeeze the shit out of the saddle sores and blood would indeed squirt out. The pain was enough to make me break out in a cold sweat, but after they popped, sweet relief! Now, I’m on an Adamo Typhoon and no more saddle sores. Good luck!
As far as treating the sore? Make sure the area is well shaved first and clean thoroughly throughout the day with an anti-bacterial wipe, I’ve found that opening the sore tends to cause more problems down the road, up to you I guess. I also use gold bond medicated body lotion down there throughout the day and post/pre ride.
For now just make sure your cycling shorts are clean, chammy butter is used (assos is best), change out of your shorts as soon as your finished riding into some loose fitting clothing. Also check your saddle. I found that when I used my team issue San Marco saddle the “walls” we creating a bit of discomfort so I wrapped the sides with electric tape to create a smooth wall and eliminate and friction. I do the same to any new saddles I use.
Other than that just focus on prevention and ride your way out of discomfort, sores will dissapear quickly as long as your are attentive to them.
Congratulations on the half! Maybe just ride inside and do out of the saddle. I tend to use nuskin for open lanced boils when I still have to be moving, then remember to AIR out all night (cool fan blowing on it - or whatever), and NO POOL until it heals.
Then there is well waxing.
um, I just finally wrote up about brazilian wax experience which is the one thing that has always helped prevent problems from the friction. I think you might still have enough time to lance, clean, dress, heal and wax before IMC. If waxing is out - one word: lube, and lots of it. Diaper rash ointment (I use the creamy kind) will help significantly while you heal. I will not do a ride over 2 hrs without either vasoline, or diaper rash ointment, just a given.
Jen - no badass award, sore ass might be appropriate - that bit–oh, lovely lady
I just hope cannon figures it out, suffering and frustrating over something as sensitive as ‘that area’ shouldn’t be on his mind this close to IMC. Hope he works it out - he’s got plenty of time. Not too sure I would start messing around with seat height this close - looking into hygiene and treating the area sounds in order.
Why no pool? I’ve found that nothing helps them MORE than a long session in the pool (Edit- but NOT open water!). Oh, and my new secret weapon against them is Preparation H (My cycling buddy said the tip was in a cycling magazine about 10 years ago)
So, a bit awkward but here’s the deal - after a couple of long training rides followed by some more riding and then a Half Ironman this past Sunday (first one ever, 5:09) I’ve got a nasty blister/chaffe right behind Big Jim and the twins.
I was scheduled to ride for a couple of hours today, easy but as soon as my ass hit the seat I knew that it wasn’t meant to be. Any suggestions? Is there anyone out there with experience in this regard? How the heck do I sort this out quick? It’s about 6 weeks until IMC and i need to get back out on my bike!
Go to the gym and get on the recumbent bike until you are able to go.
Use bagbalm before every ride.
I’d go to a local clinic, and sweet talk a nurse into giving you a sterile needle (you can always pretend that you’re a junkie if need be!) lance it, antiseptic cream, plaster, give it a day or 2 than get back on the bike!
you just have to work your way thru it. for those who don’t want these to begin with: chamois cream. as you may know, we just conducted a poll on this.
How often do you use chamois creme?
Always 70 / 20 %
Never 94 / 27 %
Only on long or hard rides 94 / 27 %
For everything except short rides 68 / 19 %
Randomly 28 / 8 %
the right answer: always. 20% of you got the right answer.
