So look out for those beauties, oh yeah…

Back in 2003, shortly before the PMC, I did the 60-mile version of the Charles River Wheelmen’s “Climb to the Clouds” ride, which goes up 2006-foot Mt. Wachusett and back.

This year’s ride was scheduled for Sunday July 17th, and I was planning on doing the 105-mile version of the same ride. I’d even gotten a friend to agree to drive me out to the start in Concord and pick me up afterward.

The day before—Saturday the 16th—rather than staying off the bike, I decided to do my usual 60-mile Quad Cycles training ride. I had an afternoon barbecue to attend out in Lexington, so it only made sense to ride out that way in the morning and stop at the BBQ on the way home. Of course, I would take it easy, to ensure that I’d have plenty of energy left for the century ride the next day.

As the miles went by, however, I noticed that I was getting more and more uncomfortable in the saddle. In fact, it was getting downright painful! By the time I got to the BBQ, my butt was thoroughly chafed and very tender.

Now, I’ve never been prone to “saddle problems”, although I did have some normal bruising at the start of the season due to my singular lack of padding for my sit-bones. However, this problem was in a completely different area, and it really stung anytime I put weight on it. So I called up my friend and reluctantly canceled the Sunday ride.

That was most of a week ago now, and things seem to have improved. I just got back from Maine, where I bought a couple new pairs of Sugoi cycling shorts, and I plan on putting those shorts (and my backside) through their paces in this weekend’s QC rides. Hopefully everything’ll be in full working order soon, because the PMC ride is only two weeks from now!