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Book Review: Saddle, Sore

A Book by Molly Hurford 

*Disclosure I have an interest in this book as I am a featured 'expert' in it and it is written by my girlfriend. I believe the content is important and that any cyclist would benefit from reading it. If you buy it based on this review and disagree I will personally refund your money. 

Title, Author, # of Pages,  Release Date, Link: 
Saddle, Sore . Molly Hurford. 66pages. March 15, 2014.
Book Site (available in digital .pdf and epub only) *print run will follow , please express interest via the site
  => Use the Promo Code ' smartgirls ' for the Smart Athlete Discount. 

Overall Message of the Book: 
There are issues that females deal with as a result of participating in cycling. Some of these issues have straightforward solutions (i.e. don't wear underwear under bike shorts ) but some are more nebulous (i.e. saddle sores, bike fit & learning skills). 'Saddle, Sore' is an examination of both of these types of issues. Because the seemingly obvious is not simple for the beginner, this book is a great summary of the basics and many advanced riders will pick up at least one valuable insight from these sections. The more complex issues are disseminated by the author and several experts who add their two cents. By the end of the book, the reader is equipped with several ideas that can be taken and tinkered with to find a solution, or at least an improvement, to these more complex issues. 

Book Structure: 
The book is not a long read, but is dense with content. It is arranged into several topics including mechanical skill, saddle sores and sexual health. 

My Favorite Parts:
Everyone will learn something in this book. Since everyone has different problems and those afflicted will suffer to different degrees, the amount each person will learn and value these concepts will vary. I personally found a few of the hygiene tips really interesting. Being extra careful and clean with towels so as to reduce bacteria spread is one of the concepts I am going to tinker with. I found many things, even as an 'expert' that that are 'common sense' but not done commonly (by me at least!). 
From a professional standpoint, the brief discussion of periods and birth control was valuable. I believe this topic warrants further research, discussion and individual experimentation to find a best solution, but the book is a great early step at broaching this delicate topic with athletes and coaches. I added some commentary on how skills, such as standing, are overlooked as obvious ways to improve comfort/fit and that being realistic about what we are asking our delicate tissues to do can change our perspective of the problem of saddle sores.


Key Takeaways
We need to be way more hygienic. This is the recurring theme. Get out of your chamois, don't use chamois twice, soap up your 'area' very well (twice!) as soon after the ride as possible, use some antibacterial cream during/after and do daily inspections of your 'area' to catch things early. The second takeaway is to communicate with your coach/professionals. If you are having sores or trouble with your period, there are things to try and people who can possibly help. If you get the book please let me know your thoughts ! I am always available by EMAIL

Peter

P.S. The Book Link again is HERE . As a thanks for being a Smart Athlete use the code ' smartgirls ' to get a discount ! 

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