New rider with very very VERY sore rear!

[Kathi]

I just got my bike (Trek Pilot 1.0 WSD) and went on my first long ride - 18 miles (had only done 1-3 mile jaunts before)! The last 9 were pure agony in the rear end area. Other parts of my body ached after, but recovered within 24-36 hours. But today, 11 days later, I am still sitting on a pillow (although I AM walking normal again!). No "sores", just feels like I bruised my sit bones badly. (riding on stock bontrager saddle)

My veteran friend rider tells me this is very normal for a newbie. But honestly, i was in so much pain I am scared to get on again. Against her advice ("you'll get used to it" she says) I went and bought a new saddle - the terry butterfly. Do you think that was premature - to buy a new saddle after one ride? but really, it hurt SOOOOOOO bad I was seconds away from crying at the end!

How much time did the shop spend fitting you to the bike?

If something is off with your fit it can show up with saddle problems.

Another thought is that you increased your mileage too soon. I don't know what your were riding before but your body needs time to adjust to the new bike and saddle.

[lesliejo]

Oh I know your agony.
I found that the best way to remedy it is to get back on the bike. It takes about two weeks of walking funny, then....you have what I call biker's butt. No more agony. I find that if I ride year around, inside and out, then I don't have to go through the agony for two weeks. I have tried lots of different seats, including gels....it is like walking barefoot when you are a kid. Just get those feet tough....butt too.
Good luck