Saddle sore..bruise

[Graceee]

I just sucessfully completed the MS 150. I am so excited and proud. Besides the normal leg stiffness. I seem to have two bruises where my saddle begins to narrow. I can't even deal with underwear.
My questions are..
1. Do you think I need a new saddle? (It never did this on my shorter training rides) and....
2. What can I do to help the inflamaiton and pain?

Thank you for any responses!

[stella]

Gracee,
CONGRATS on completing the MS 150!

What type of saddle do you have? If you don't have a saddle with a cutout, I recommend any made by Terry Cycles. I ride with a Liberator Pro Ti race and I know of other riders that are very happy with the Terry butterfly. I don't have any problems on long rides since I made the switch.
Terry Cycles has a web site if you lbs doesn't carry them. I know that Team Estrogen also carries the terry saddle.

As far as the current swelling, Preparation H and baggy pants. When lounging at home, baggy shorts/pants w/no underwear.
Take care! And congrats again on the MS 150!

[Graceee]

I do have a saddle with a cutout.. I think it is a trek.. I need to go look...but what is the benefit to the cutout?

[stella]

If your bruises are in the labia/vulva region near the anal area it could mean that there is too much pressure and the cutout helps eleviate the pressure as the skin there is very sensitive.
Another source could be how you have your saddle tilted which could be putting extra pressure on the region. Aslo, on long rides-less padding on the saddle is better (again, because of the pressure issue).
I know some amount of bruising in normal during the early part of the season-esp. with distance rides. I always try to rule out other issues such as saddle tilt, shape, etc.