BVS Update

There are a number of people who are either bemused, or slightly embarrassed by the BVS discussion, but I know there are enough of you interested to warrant an update!

Now, there are a few components to BVS. 

1. Saddle discomfort

This is what I had mostly encountered pre-tour, and is pretty much a factor of sitting your entire body weight on a few square inches of saddle. 

Most of this can be solved by a good saddle (which seems to be a matter of trial and error), saddle position, and a certain amount of toughening up.

But toughening up. You can toughen up your sit bones, which might not be used to having that weight on them for an extended period. But your sensitive V-skin is not going to toughen up.

2. V-skin discomfort

Two things to worry about here. Mashing up of the V-area, and numbness. Pins and needles down there should send you shopping for a new saddle or a dramatic position change.

Mashing that leads to blisters or serious chafing should also be remedied by saddle change or position.

3. Saddle sores

It took several days for this to become an issue, but ouch. I am an aficionado of chafing, but saddle sores are another thing altogether. They are irritated hair follicles that look like pimples.

You do not want broken skin in this area, so squeezing is a definite no-no. Clean shorts (no knickers) daily, liberal application of chamois cream (or Savlon or Sudocreme) every stop and overnight after showering are key.

My top tips for preventing and managing BVS:

- Get a saddle and saddle position that you are reasonably comfortable with. You need some long rides of several hours to really find out if it works.

- Don't wear underwear with your shorts. It took me a while to realise this when I first started cycling, but the less seams the better.

- Chamois cream works. I managed to scab grab some Assos brand from a departing rider, and the fresh menthol feel gets you going at 5am and provides some protection. Liberal reapplication at every break is a must.

- Antiseptic creams (nappy rash creams such as Savlon and Sudocreme) are you friend. Shower and liberal application should see you ready to face another day.

- Double shorts. When times are tough, double up the shorts. I was sceptical, but when things are getting ugly it makes a big difference.