Ok, so yesterday I got the new saddle for my Specialized Crossroads Comfort beast and decided to test ride it today. Meant to go for a short ride - maybe 5-10 miles.

Well, 5 eventually turned into 30. Generally I ride the rail trails (which are flat, and nicely devoid of traffic), but I didn't have the car today, so I rode locally. So, this was the first time I've EVER had to ride hills! That was exhausting!

Some things I've learned by visiting bike shops recently is that I am not pedaling correctly. I didn't realize there was a way to pedal incorrectly (newbie alert!). I've ALWAYS placed the arches of my feet center on my pedals - ever since I was a kid. Then I start visiting bike shops and I start seeing the special shoes that attach to the pedals (are you KIDDING? would I tie myself to the saddle of my horse??????????? ok, so that was my first reaction...). So they tell me, no, I should be using the ball of my feet to pedal. Which makes me raise my seat height. But now my feet slip off the pedals (ok, so now I see why you attach the feet to the pedals! LOL). So, it's been a HUGE learning experience.

The saddle seemed very comfortable for the first 25 miles - the last 5 I was getting sore. I'm NEVER sore really on my sit bones though - it's my tail bone that KILLS me. Even now, an hour after my ride, I'm sore to just sit. My knees always hurt as well (stairs are not welcome for 12 hours after a ride).

But heck, I'm sure having fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!