Hello, friends,

Okay, so I'm working up to longer road rides. I've got a trail bike, but I've only ever ridden on roads. I'm pretty big and I don't trust myself on trails. (5'4.5", 243 lbs, 44 years old as of September) I just started riding in earnest in late August. My daughter (10) and I did the 18-mile Tour de Poway (San Diego area) a couple of weeks ago. It was her longest distance, but I've been doing 20 mile rides for about four weeks now (2 - 3 per week). Last Sunday it was a beautiful day and I felt inspired to go an extra lap around my usual five-mile path, so I did 25 miles instead of 20. My knees hurt and my tailbone hurt, but my knees really hurt worse. I iced them and ended up resting them for a week. I got back on my bike today and was heading out for an easy 15 - 20, but it was a gorgeous day again and I was feeling pretty good, so I hung on for an extra lap.

About 18 miles in I started singing to myself, "I am powerful, and my bod feels great," over and over. I kept trying to stand and readjust, but man, my tailbone is hurting.

I can ice my knees. In fact, I'm doing that as I type this, but I've got nothing for the tailbone.

A few years ago I fell on my tailbone while roller skating and suffered severe bruising. No breaks or fractures, though, but as someone else said, I've had problems sitting on hard surfaces for any length of time.

I wear Pearl Izumi gel shorts, but I guess the padding isn't enough for my size.

On an upnote, the lycra is either losing its elasticity, or my legs are getting smaller. Woohoo! I'm voting for the latter.

What do you guys do for tailbone pain, though? Do I need a new saddle?

DH has bought me a new seat post that will move the saddle back about a half inch, which I'm hoping will relieve some of the knee pain. Might it help the tailbone pain, too?

Thanks, all,

Roxy