It’s not only cowboys who get saddle sores.

Saddle sores had always sounded to me like something that might happen after days on horseback. It hadn’t occurred to me that cyclists might get them, too. As with so many other things, prevention is better than having to deal with sores after they develop. What steps can we take?

Saddle fit and position are a factor. Be sure your saddle supports your sit bones; and if there’s a spot where your saddle causes extra pressure or chafing, adjust it to eliminate the problem.

Cleanliness is important, too. Always have a clean pair of shorts to wear for every ride. Some riders use antibacterial soaps such as Hibiclens as a daily crotch wash. A lubricant such as Chamois Butt’r helps prevent chafing during a ride. After a ride, get out of your cycling shorts as soon as possible. Don’t hang out in a sweaty chamois.

If a saddle sore develops in spite of all precautions, it’s small comfort to remember that it’s not only cowboys who have this problem. You want that sore to heal as soon as possible.  I read of one rider who developed numerous sores at once. He did a lot of out-of-saddle work until the sores healed.

If a sore is really stubborn, then of course consult a physician. You want to get back in the saddle as soon as possible.