The good news is that this is normal. The bad news is that it can continue if you are trying to ride on equipment that isn’t suited to your anatomy. Bicycle seats seem to be quite simple on the surface but anyone who has experienced the joy of finally finding the right bicycle seat, will tell you that it can be a complex issue.

My wife recently had the opportunity to experience the joy of finding the right bicycle seat for her bicycle. She was riding the stock seat from a Bianchi 928 and it caused excruciating pain in her nether regions. We visited a competent bicycle shop only to find that the seat didn’t match the width of her sit bones and they recommended a female specific bike seat called the Selle Italia Lady.

Most bicycle seats are built for the male anatomy and the average male sitbones are narrower than the average female. This means in order to fit the male anatomy correctly, the seat would be too narrow for the female anatomy and vice versa. Female specific bike seats cure that issue, they are targeted specifically at the wider female anatomy and the other anatomical issues that women face.

A few days on the new Selle Italia Lady bicycle seat and it was crystal clear, the right bicycle seat made ALL the difference in the world. The pain slowly disappeared and the joy of riding began to take hold. My wife is a die hard fan of the Selle Italia Lady now and I am not sure she will ever change. I can’t say as I blame her as if something works great then why change it?

If you want to check out more bicycle seat reviews and read up on the Selle Italia Lady then feel free. Time spent purchasing the right bike seat, is time well spent.

Before trying any exercise for cycling or a weight loss programm, it is important to first consult with your general practitioner or physician with a view to establishing your current fitness levels and whether or not you are at risk of medical problems arising from beginning a course of exercise. Remember that whilst you might feel fine, underneath it is always possible that there could be a number of problems that have lay undetected until now and could be subsequently triggered by picking up the pace with your exercise programme.

Firstly, you fitness for cycling programme should begin with a few light stretches and maybe even a jog, to make sure your muscles are warmed up for physical activity. After that, climb on board your bike and get cycling. It’s important to remember that cycling might not be something you are terribly used to, with most people avoiding pedal bikes as soon as they leave their childhood years or get a car. As a result it might be a good idea to take it slowly to start with – whilst you might never forget how to ride a bike, you will certainly need a little bit of a refresher before going out on the open road for your own safety and that of other road users.

On your first day, cycle a block or cycle to work at a medium pace. Don’t try to race there – you will tire yourself out and you’ll be in no state to hit the office. Likewise its important to ease yourself in to an exercise programme, particularly if you haven’t been overly active for a few years or you’re looking to shift excess weight. With the coming days boost your intensity and your distance on your cycling regime, to start building up your fitness levels and to get you moving and burning calories and fat. Ultimately keep going up in intensity as your body can handle in order to leave you with the perfect introduction to a fitness for cycling programme.

Cycling for fitness reasons can be both fun and practical, and it can also help shift excess weight in no time at all. Try it today, after visiting your GP for a health check, and see what wonders can lie in store for you after beginning a more active, healthier lifestyle with a view to losing weight and feeling great.

France is a country that is extremely enthusiastic about cycling, as we are all no doubt well aware with the Tour de France, and they have made it ever so easy to explore the countryside and cities on two wheels, with dedicated cycle paths and routes all around.

Cycling holidays will give you peace and tranquillity with awesome views of countryside, chateaux, medieval towns, hilltops, valleys and gorges and these are just some of things that you would easily miss out on if you were driving through France, and with the rich heritage, extraordinary landscapes and the gastronomic delights can all be appreciated more whilst cycling, especially because of the extensive national network of veloroutes.

These veloroutes will take you along canal towpaths, quiet country lanes and converted railway lines as well as getting you into the heart of the countryside by using voies vertes, also known as green ways, which are specially designated tracks that are completely shut to motorised traffic, you can even hire your cycle en route from one of many locations-velos that line the major cycling routes.

You can still find areas in France that are so peaceful, it is rare to see a car, yet you may be passed by a few very passionate cyclists! Stopping for lunch and experiencing the local cuisine and of course the local wine is must and you can often find fortified villages scattered along the hill-tops and valleys for the most pleasant of stops.

Or if you prefer to have your trip organised then why not let the hoteliers transport your luggage by finding establishments that offer an “accueil velo” which are hotels and bed and breakfasts that cater specifically for cycling holidays throughout France.

With a French Alps cycling holiday you cannot go wrong, as you will be able to discover some of the Worlds most spectacular cycling routes, with climbs like the world famous Col de la Croix der Fer and Alpe d’Huez around Grenoble. But as well as the Alps, cycling in the Pyrenees with its mountain climbs such as the Col de Portet d’Aspet and the Col d’Aspin will provide you with the opportunity to see some of Europe’s most beautiful locations. Although these are not for the feint hearted! If you have ever watched the Tour de France, you will have seen some of those mean mountainous routes and the suffering these cyclists go through, yet perhaps this could be just the type of holiday you are looking for!

Also, the Midi-Pyrenees offers a wealth of art and history from prehistoric cave paintings to Renaissance mansions and is also famous throughout France for its cuisine which is rich with foies gras, Roquefort cheese, Gaillac wines, and Armagnac brandy, but to make the most of this region, it is often advisable to plan your cycling holiday very carefully, so that you can enjoy the many different places en route.

Yet if mountain biking and going on strenuous cycling routes through the mountains is not you, then do not worry, there are plenty of other areas in France that will cater for the novice or the family cycling holiday, just like Brittany, this area is ideal for a family cycling holiday, as the coastal routes along the bays are reasonably flat, making the trip easier, whereas the Loire is more undulating, yet fabulous chateaux and riverside towns will enthral you and the family on your travels.

What about the Poitou-Charentes area, which is an excellent choice for those who love wildlife and bird watching, as the area is still extremely rural, even compared to some of the other areas in France and Burgundy is a great place to cycle along the many canal paths.

Then there is the Dordogne which is extremely picturesque, and from the rivers and gorges through to forests and vineyards, this area provides such a diversity you will enjoy the whole experience from the start to finish of your holiday.

Mind you, with a cycling holiday organised for you, there is no need to worry about where you will stop for a break or lunch or where you will be staying, which means you do not have to have your panniers full to the brim, as all your belongings are transported on for you, ready and waiting for when you arrive at your next stop, plus if you decide to add in other activities, such as canoeing and horse riding as well, then your bikes will be transported to your next stop and you will be picked up at a specified location.

So whether you are a cycling enthusiast or a novice with a family, France is a fantastic destination to explore on your bike.

During the cycling tour around Guilin, you will have the chance to ride through the unique limestone mountains, discover idyllic countryside, visit old towns and savor exotic folk customs of the ethnic minorities.

Yangshuo could be the highlight of your cycling excursions in Guilin, which provides the most stunning scenery for cyclists. Here is a suitable

phrase that describes Yangshuo’s beauty: Guilin’s scenery is the most beautiful in the world, and Yangshuo’s scenery is far superior to that of Guilin. Riding around Yangshuo, you can get close to Chinese village life by exploring the countryside outside of Yangshuo town center. Cycling on the flat country roads, you will find many lovely untouched spots, lovely rivers and streams, numerous fertile rice fields and a plentitude of old-fashioned villages. You can also pay a visit to the local farmer’s house and interact with local people and their daily lives.

Trekking along the magnificent terraced rice fields in Longsheng County, cruising down the Li River are other recreational things you could do in picturesque Guilin. Yunnan: Cycling along the Remote Backcountry Trails in Southwestern China

Yunnan, a mysterious and beautiful land in southwestern China, boosts its multi-culture, various minorities and stunning scenery.

Stepping on the stone paved streets of Lijiang ancient town, walking along every twists and turns of small lanes, here is the place you can lose all your worldly worries, view the well-preserved distinctive architecture houses and rustic Naxi People. Many Naxi people dressed in their traditional costume dance and sing with hand in hand. It’s said that Naxi women do most of the house works while Naxi men indulge themselves in other pursuits like poetry and music.

The route is also suitable for brave cyclists who want to challenge physical strength and volition – cycling through the Tiger Leaping Gorge – the world’s deepest canyon. The blue sky is so close to you and at the feet is the torrential river which is confined by the narrow high cliffs and roars and crashes spectacularly over huge rocks. Here, you have chance to talk with local Tibetans who can sing and dance, and always show their worship to the high scared mountain.

Your cycling in Yunnan can also reach the waterside of Erhai and the dotted white villages nearby or to the Stone Forest of Kunming, where unique rocks in various shapes challenge your unlimited imagination. Beijing: Hiking and Cycling through History to China’s Most Legendary Ancient Venues

Most people refer to Beijing as the current and previous capital of China. But along your riding route in Beijing, skyscrapers standing in great numbers prove that Beijing is a modern and ancient mixture city. You can ride to the Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Great Wall and other ancient spots.

Cycling in the Hutong areas is full of surprises. At the first glance, they are almost the same, formed by lining buildings with gray walls and gray tiles. They are narrow but full of life: children playing around, old men sitting for playing chess, people preparing food and the local bicyclists traveling through. It is a unique place with different atmosphere. Sometimes you follow into a big street and find many tiny shops, like small hair cutter businesses, small bakeries, and tiny supermarkets.

You will also have the chance to trek along the Huangyaguan Great Wall which is not developed as tourist’s sites and where you can experience the primeval grandness of one of the Seven Wonders in the world and stay in the guest house to get more details of the local people’s daily life. Xian – Cycling on the Ancient City Walls with History on Your Handlebars

Riding on the ancient city walls of Xian makes your cycling trip perfect. The wall is spectacular and cyclists can have a birds’ eye view of the city.

The road on the top of the ancient city walls is wide and flat. Lower the speed and you will get the real “history” feeling from the armed soldiers, red lanterns and old walls around. Taking an overlook to the Bell Tower, it is more grand and splendid with busy traffic coming and going. Or just stay your bike aside, talk with local people and listen to their singing of Shaanxi Opera. Xi’an is surrounded by the 14-kilometer-long ancient city walls. Cycling on the commodious wall, the city is all under your eyes and you will imagine about one thousand years ago, lined soldiers standing here guarding the ancient capital.

A visit to Xian always includes the amazing archeological relics of the terracotta Warriors and Horses, Bell Tower, Forest of Steles Museum with its extraordinary collection of ancient stone “books” and other historic spots. Shanghai, Suzhou & Hangzhou – Cycling in the Eastern China Water Towns

Eastern China, especially the area near the lower reaches of Yangtze River, has always been regarded as homeland of scholars and men of letters. The charming water villages, typical and pretty Chinese women and the classical Chinese gardens in that region will definitely give you a deep impression of what eastern China is like.

In Wuzhen, a typical Chinese water town near Hangzhou, the river running through the town was once the main means of transportation for local people. The town is full of black tiled and wooden architectures with white walls in sharp contrast, giving the sense of Chinese oil painting. Giving a glimpse into the local house, many of the local men are found to breed silkworms. The houses are dotted along the waterside, so most local people can buy the fruit and vegetables from the boats outside their windows. Local people are fond of flowers and plants, both are bloom in the sunshine, adding a touch to this quiet old town.

But taking a cycling trip in China is not always an easy thing for some cyclists. They know little things about China, not to mention the routes, the transferring between destinations…The most important thing they would consider is when I ride through China along, whether the safety issue could be guaranteed. Here comes the reason why China tour operators exist. A China – based tour operator knows well about China and it can also settle down other detailed things like hotels, vehicles and so on.

This does not mean that choosing a tour agency which is based in China is a totally right thing. Making the China trip more assured relies on the professional ability and experience of the tour operators. There are many newly emerging tour operators who may cost you more on the trip. An experienced Chinese travel agent build up long and good relationships with other partners around China so that they can provide more competitive prices and more personal backup services for cyclists who take cycling tours around China: accommodations in best available hotels or guest houses, delicious and healthy Chinese meals, bottled water, coffee for coffee break on each cycling day, back-up vehicle that carries your bags and daily necessities, all entrance fees to historic sites, museums and scenic spots included in the itinerary as well as experienced English-speaking guide.

Tang Dynasty Travel is the typical example of this kind of professional China tour operators that can provide cyclists professional service at competitive prices. With experience in tourism for nearly 15 years, it has provided cycling products to cycling groups and foreign travel agency for several years.

Cycling offers much more freedom than traditional vacations. Unlike most other forms of travel, cycling is based on a tourist’s whim. Cycling vacations can be from hotel-to-hotel or village-to-village. Many villages in remote places are nearly untouched by tourism. Cycling provides an up-close view of the true way of life in these villages. Rolling vineyards, sun-kissed villages and poppy fields are just a few of the visually appealing sights awaiting cyclists.

MP3 Guided Tours

One tour option available to do-it-yourself cycling tourists is the MP3 guided tour. Instructional digital audio is provided, along with maps of the area and its marked trails. Cyclists are free to roam at their own pace while following pre-recorded directions from a trained guide. MP3 guided tours are not recommended for beginning cycling tourists.

Nearly 1,000 Miles of Cycling Trails

Spain offers cyclists nearly 1,000 miles of cycling trails. Trails are being expanded each year to accommodate even more cyclists. The trails include an array of difficulty levels, but most are flat, very clearly marked and beautifully groomed. Many trails have been created to cover old railway tracks. These unused railway tracks were built flat and stretch many miles across Spain, making them perfect for cycling trails. Mountain trails are also available for the more experienced cycling tourist.

Family cycling vacations are available in nearly every city, town and village in Spain. Popular routes include historical sites, Gothic cathedrals, coastal scenery, poppy fields and riverside trails. Careful route planning and support are available from a variety of locally owned cycle touring companies. Most family tours include a back-up vehicle stocked with supplies and emergency equipment, including first-aid kits.

Cycling Vacations on Menorca and Majorca

The Balearic Islands offer a unique experience for family cycling vacations. Residents of the islands are accustomed to tourists, especially in areas surrounding the highly popular resorts. Inland areas of the islands offer a much different view of the island lifestyle. Open-air markets and family-owned restaurants await weary travelers in the smaller, less-traveled villages. Cyclists often enjoy authentic Mediterranean cuisine and locally made wines after a long day on the trail. The Balearic Islands are relatively small, making them great cycling destinations for families or for a first cycling vacation.

Professional Cyclists Train in Spain

During the off-season, professional cyclists can often be found on the trails in Spain or the Balearic Islands. Most locations in Spain and the Balearics offer more than 300 days of sunshine per year, making them perfect for year-round training. Cycling trails in Spain and the Balearic Islands provide many miles of scenic landscapes for professionals looking for a change in scenery.