Cycling comes with its own sensitive issues. I\’ve probably touched on this subject before, but it bears repeating.

Chafing is always a risk factor in cycling. How do we prevent it?

Proper saddle fit. Shorts that are clean and fit well. Chamois Butt\’r.

In late  June, I had a road bike re-fit. During the part where the fitter was filming me as I pedaled, I could see in the video screen that I was quite far to the right on the saddle. My right hip sagged downwards with every pedal stroke.

I had noticed that, when I get home from a long Sunday ride and stoop to take off my shoes, that right hip cramps up badly. When I saw myself on the video screen, I figured I knew why.

I began to make a greater effort to be sure that my sit bones are on the saddle where they belong. What happened? My \”tender parts\” took quite a beating, even though my saddle is a cutout model. And that, during a weekday morning ride that\’s an hour and a quarter long at most! Maybe that\’s why I got into the habit of riding \”sidesaddle\” to begin with.

What do do? Cheapest thing first. Experiment with how and where I sit on the saddle. Sitting farther back on the saddle helps with crotch discomfort, but I noticed right away that the muscles at the very tops of the backs of my thighs felt rather strained. Have I been over using my quads all these years? And neglecting those glutes and hammies?

Pedaling out of the saddle to give myself some relief works only for very short distances, and I can manage it only a few times within an hour-long ride. After that my legs refuse to do it any more.

I can try using more Chamois Butt\’r in, well, the strategic place. Consider some new shorts. A new saddle with a larger cutout should be the last thing to try. My budget has sensitive issues, too.