When biking long distances, how long does it take to get over the bruising down in the nether regions?

You need a more comfortable seat.

Talk to the other long-distance women bikers about this problem. It is universal and as old as time. I can remember having a sore crotch when I was biking to grade school.

What about an extra thick sanitary napkin? I have some left over from a procedure my mother had; they are very useful for washing windows but are thick and well-padded. Perhaps you could cobble together a doughnut shape, like moleskin over a blister.

You may need a seat designed for your sex. I have one on each bike designed for males. I bought them when I discovered that I had no feelings in the crotch area for hours after the ride. It is very frightening, for a male, when is favorite organ.

@Ron_C: Don’t discount the female crotch as being most favored organ of us women, also.

@gailcalled I like all crotches.

I’m going to guess that the bruising is at the “ischial tuberosities”, the bony prominences at the bottom of the pelvis. These typically bear most of the weight, and there’s very little natural cushioning between the ITs and the saddle. The gel in the saddle helps, but you might also want to consider cycling shorts that have additional gel in the seat, at least until you toughen up a little.

In my experience, it never goes away completely. I rode 4000 miles over one summer, and I was still a little sore at the end. But I think you’ll find that even though it may be really sore when you first start a ride, the discomfort will ease a bit after a few minutes. After a few days/weeks, it gets better.

Check this out. Look at the ones labeled “comfort saddles” . My wife swears by hers. She used to swear at her previous one.

BTW I remember the first time I did 20 miles. I hurt for a full week afterward. The seat was just stretched leather, no padding whatsoever.‘Course this was many years back. I guess I should be thankful I even had a seat on that PennyFarthing.

I’ve done and do lots of long distance bicycle touring. When I have been off my bike awhile and get back to it I can expect a couple weeks of soreness. If it is going beyond a couple weeks my saddle position and/or over all bike fit is probably off and needs attention.

When it comes to pain and chaffing down-in-the-there it is just as much about the saddle as the shorts. I personally like very little padding on my bike saddle and minimal shammy in my shorts (that sounds lewder than i intend). I also ride in a more aggressive bike posture than a cruiser bike. More padding means more stuff that can bunch up and more bunching means more pressure and more pressure = sore.

Here is a good primer on bicycle seats: the right bicycle seat

Here is a link about bike fit that shows how much a bike geek I am: How To Fit a Bicycle and here is a video that take less time investment: fit overview and here are some more geeking out vids: finding perfect fit

Definitely use a seat! especially before BMX competitions