Sam Kennedy said:
I took 3 bottles of water with me, some crisps and some chocolate biscuits and a mars bar
Top quality isotonic nosh!
I cycle from my house to Ponteland which was approx 10 miles, then back to Weetslade where I did a couple of laps up and around a hill, then went back on myself a couple of times then cycled home.
I cycled 26.22 miles, averaged 7.8mph and it took me 3 hours and 20 minutes.
I obviously need to work on increasing my pace
That'll come. Well done!
I had enough energy to do 30 miles, but the seat was killing my backside and the handle bars were blistering my hands
So next time I'm going to get some cycle gloves, I also need either a gel seat cover, or a new seat, which would be better?
Gloves, definitely. What sort of handle bars are they, and if straight, do you have bar ends? If not, consider getting some, they give you a space to move your hands about on the bars and alter your pressure points, which will also stop your shoulders getting sore or stiff on long rides.
You might want to give the saddle another try or two. There is often a certain amount of 'getting used to it' to do. A couple of months ago I decided I needed to do more long rides, and after 40 miles my bum was killing me. Couple of weeks later, I did 60, with a friend, and was fine. This weekend, I did 100, and my bum was killing me - but at 40-50 it was fine. Riding in company can help take your mind off it.
Do you have padded shorts or padded undies? Might well be a cheaper fix than a new saddle. You can get them in baggy style, if you prefer not to go down the lycra route...
I have used a gel cover in the past, breaking in a leather saddle, but long term, a new saddle might be better - if you need it. Softer isn't always better over distances, too much padding can chafe, the key thing is to have one that supports your pelvic bones and doesn't put pressure on the soft bits.
Anyway, well done! Now, you just need to work on getting up...
