Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Giveaway: Be happy in the (this) saddle

Friend or foe?
There is a special freedom found only on a bike. It’s one of those rare thrills we feel at every age and ability. Whether it’s your first wobbly ride off training wheels or your umpteenth century (100 mile) ride of the season, cycling makes us feel independent, strong and happy.

Except when it doesn’t.

For some of us, particularly women, climbing onto the saddle causes more than just a little discomfort “down there.” And until you find a saddle that fits just right (and take off your panties!), biking will never make you feel like a kid again. Instead, it will make you feel like you’ve just had one—right there on the bike.

I have vivid memories of a long ride with my husband back when were first married that resulted in him winning the Heisman Award for a good week. Tears streamed down my cheeks as I pushed through the pain, fleshy one minute and boney the next. Didn’t matter how I sat, I was uncomfortable. Not strong. Not happy.

I went through a few saddles before I fell in love (or should I say, my crotch fell in love) with the Terry Butterfly Ti saddle. It’s lightweight and designed just for “her” by folks who specialize in ladies cycling. The guys like it too since it eliminates the Heisman phenomena–at least as it relates to the bike, anyway. (Come on, riding really shouldn’t be a pre-coital excuse!).

Having saddle issues? Got that “not so fresh feeling”? Just want to try something new? I wanna hear from Hot (Sweaty) Mamas like you about why you like to ride, or about your favorite two-wheeled adventure. I’ll draw one winner from the entrants here and at hotsweatymamas.com and post the winner on Friday. Good luck!
–Laurie

8 comments:

  1. Would love to try a new saddle! Getting ready for a sprint tri later this summer. :)

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  3. Cycling takes a back seat to running but I sure would like to do more of it and a new saddle woulr be perfect for this goal!

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  4. Karen- Good luck in the triathlon, and the giveaway!

    Vertigopa- You're right, those big pads just don't cut it on the run! With the right seat, we should be forced to look like we're running with maxi pads in our shorts!

    Mechelle- It's the perfect crosstraining, isn't it? Works the same muscle groups and gives our bodies a break from the pounding!

    Thanks for your comments ladies!
    Laurie

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  5. I had absolutely no idea...I bought a new bike because of the seat...and then learned how wrong I was. But I had no idea there was a seat made for women! Oh happy day! I thought I was destined to always walk a bit bit funny after a good long ride!!

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  6. A bike seat the doesn't bring you to tears? I'd all but given up hope. I love biking (biking to work, for icecream with my kids, a casual ride wiht my honey, and training for triatholons). As a kid, long before I could drive, it was ticket to freedom, and I would bike everywhere. After trying many a bike seat along the way, I simply resigned myself to the realization the the pain could only be avoided with those supper-padded bike shorts that make one look like she's wearing a diaper. Triathlons with the thinner tri shorts, however, have never been comfortable, and so I always look a bit funny for the first mile or so of my run. The Terry Butterfly Ti Saddle would be amazing!

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  7. I like to bike with my kids (elementary age)....I run with grown ups....but biking is my favorite kid friendly family finess activity!

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  8. Congratulations to Vicky! She posted her comment at http://hotsweatymamas.com/2011/06/21/giveaway-be-happy-in-the-this-saddle/. Enjoy your moments of freedom on the bike, ladies!
    Laurie

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