Sitbones - ouch!

[jlnc]

Yesterday, I did a 31 mile charity ride. My longest ride (I had done 25 miles previously), and basically the goal I worked towards this summer. It was such a great ride...nice weather, great support, rode with friends....really fun day.
I made it up the hills that I thought were going to be a problem, and basically felt comfortable on the bike the whole ride. Towards the last few miles, I was definitely glad the end was near, but I could have done a few more miles. I was tired yesterday, and legs were a bit sore, but nothing terrible.
It is so pretty out again today, so I decided to go for just a little 10 mile-ish ride. I got all dressed, got the bike ready and headed out. The second I sat on the bike, my sitbones were screaming! I was so sore! I have never felt that before, but maybe I haven't pushed myself hard enough? A bunch of neighbors were out and waved good morning, have a nice ride, etc, so my pride kept me from going right back in the house.
I've been riding most of the summer, so I have had time in the saddle. Do you think it was just from going farther than I have before?

[Cynedra]

Having done the same thing last Sunday, 30 mile ride that I had been working for our summer, my feelings in certain areas are pretty much the same as yours. But oh how powerful I feel for conquering that goal. And after only doing short rides 2 miles the next few days, by Wednesday I was back in the saddle and posted my fastest average speed for a 15 mile ride.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

That major soreness pain is totally normal. It's a good sign that your weight is pressing right where it should be.
My first couple of rides every Spring produce this same sitbone pain- really painful!, especially the first couple minute sin the saddle- but this soreness fades over a few more rides. Give your sitbones a day or two of recovery in between long rides and build up the distance in increments.
Itis incredibly paionful sometimes- but it goes away!

[Kiwi Stoker]

I once did a multi day ride, so I had to get on the bike every day.

Yes on Day 2 it was painful as soon as I got on the bike but in 15 mins time it went away. Same the next day.

So sometimes you just have to endure the pain and it will go away shortly.

[Seajay]

Consider that the shape of the saddle seems to work for you but your riding position may not work with the saddle. Many modern road bikes have pretty firm saddles which may work OK in a low "aggressive" riding position while riding hard but not so well for normal human rides.
Not saying you want or need a Mary Poppins saddle but its OK to have some padding if you have a "conservative" road riding position.
You just don't want such a large or "squishy" saddle that it causes more pain from heat and friction than it "solves"
We usually consider "conservative" to be the handlebars at a level 3cm or less below the saddle.
We also tend to believe that if your saddle isn't comfortable in two or three rides....something is wrong. We don't like our clients to try to "conform their butt to the saddle". Get a different saddle instead.
Selle Italia Diva Gel Flow comes first to mind when thinking of a performance road saddle that has a bit of give to it. Specialized Dolce Sport Gel and W's SportTourer Zoo Gel Flow also come to mind.

[jlnc]

Thanks for the feedback. Good to know it is normal. Everything was fine during the ride, and even after. It was the next day when I got back on the bike, I was surprised to feel soreness when I never had before. Everything has been fine since then. I think I just was not used to rides that long.