Just beginning & looking for advice

[beckster]

Hi there. I've just started biking, and already have a few questions--mostly regarding the basics of riding and training.
My SO bought me a Jamis Citizen 7005, and we've been biking for the last 3 weeks, increasing our mileage weekly. This last Sunday we completed 50 miles, which I felt pretty good about. Thing is...I'm fine for the first 3 hours and then my butt begins to get sore. I'm not sure if this is due to the seat, the shorts, or just a normal part of getting into condition. My SO said that I may want to look into getting another type of bike--that the one he bought me really isn't made for covering the road distance that we're covering. Any insight/advice?
Secondly. the handlebars are staight and I can do little to adjust myself, so I end up being in one position for the whole ride. Any suggestions?
I'm wearing gloves, but my hands still get a bit numb, and I'm not sure if anyone can address this issue as well.
Are there books that would be helpful re: all of these begginer questions and concerns?
I saw in another thread someone talking about "mashing pedals." What does that mean?
And how do all of you carry fluids so that they stay cold? Do you have thermal packs on your bikes--or backpacks?

Any input and advice is greatly appreciated!
Thanks!

[Melodylynn]

Welcome beckster!

I am new too and have some of the same problems that I am working on. As for the sore butt, I have been trying to get up out of the saddle for periods of time during the ride. I find that this helps the blood flow back to the bottom and relieve the pressure. A new saddle may also help, but if you are like me low on funds, I make do with what I have for the moment. I also shake out my arms one at a time during the ride also to help, but I have found that sitting back on the saddle will help relax and take the pressure off of your hands. I have a camelback 1.5 liter that I use on long rides besides my water bottle. I fill the camelback with ice first before I add water. I also fill my water bottle half full with water or energ-c and freeze it the night before. I then fill it with water right before I go. This has seemed to work really well.

Melody

[singletrackmind]

A newbie with 50 miles under her belt already?? You should be proud!!
Soreness can be caused by all 3 of those things, it's just figuring out which one or ones are your problem. The first month of riding this year had me swearing on changing saddles but a new pair of shorts and some body break-in time and I'm feeling pretty good these days.
For a cheap fix to be able to change hand position what about bar-ends, like they use on mountain bikes? Of course you can't reach your brakes from there so it would only be for when you wouldn't need brakes. Just an idea-I've had bar-ends in the past but used them so little I took them off.
Mashing. What I have a tendency to do. Part of the reason I have arthritis in both knees. Now my knees tell me when I'm mashing and they even talk about it when I'm not. When you are pushing a hard gear (ususally only from the top to the bottom of a stroke) you are mashing. Your cadence is slow (crank rpm). Mine tended to run in the 60-70's. Spinning is better for your body. You pedal in circles, all the way around at a faster pace (cadence of 80's-110's) using easier gears.
Someone had a great idea of freezing half your drink in a bottle and adding the rest pre-ride. The frozen part keeps everything cool and melts so you have it when you need it. I've not tried it but it sure sounds good. I just drink what I've got and don't really care that it gets warm. I'm kinda weird though.

[FreshNewbie]

Hi Melody and Beckster,

I am also very new to riding ( been riding for almost 2months). When I just started riding I would also get numb but not only in my butt, my hands as well. What I was doing wrong is putting too much pressure on my upper body because I was so tense riging. I found that when I do control my posture and pay attention if I am using my abs and lower back to support my weight I don't get numb. Buying a new seat was another thing I did. I got myself serfa rx with a cutout, which was around 40 bucks only. I know a lot of ladies have problems with finding a new saddle that fits and some go through several before they find something they like but i was fortunate enough to just get it from the first time. As for water, I have a polar bottle which keeps it cool for the whole ride, I think you can find it in any LBS. Good luck with everything.

And enjoy your rides

[singletrackmind]

That's a good point. Also having the seat tilted too far forward could cause wrist pain from putting too much pressure there.

[cougncali]

Welcome to cycling Beckster!!!

For water I usually tend to carry a small hydration pack... it keeps the water colder with an insulating hose. It doesn't weigh much, (although it takes getting used to having it on your back), and for longer rides you have plenty of fluids.

[beckster]

Thanks to everyone for their suggestions and advice. I will definitely be putting it all to good use, starting this weekend. People in the bike shop should be loving me soon, though like Melody, money is indeed an issue. One thing at a time, right?

And I love the quote about the open mind--had me LOL!

[RebeccaAnn]

Bester, are you by chance a Rebecca?

To increase hand options, I installed Cane Creek ergo bar ends on my hybrid's flat bar a couple months ago. I love them.

For long distance riding I prefer drop bars (with the bars unfashionably high), you get more options that way. The bar ends on the flat bar are a great improvement and I wish I'd done it the day I bought the bike.

To see what these look like, try the Terry site. They're standard on the touring bike--either the Classic or Symmetry, I can never remember which is touring and which is road. I have the Terry hybrid, which came with non-ergo aluminum bar ends (I never used them).

Happy riding!

[beckster]

RebeccaAnn--

Yes, I am also a Rebecca.

Thanks for the tips on the handlebars.
I put in 50 miles again yesterday and I find that I get annoyed at being unable to alter my positioning--hence, no relief for any body part. Meanwhile, my partner can hold his handlebars, rest on bars he's got in the center of his handlebars, lean forward, sit up, etc. (Grumble, grumble)
Also developed left knee pain yesterday that went away quickly, but am not sure what its source is/was.
Anyhow, I'll check into your suggestions.
Thanks!