Did my first tour last week. Blue Ridge Parkway down and back--1500 miles, 6 days, camping with one hotel stop in Maggie Valley. Fricking awesome!! About day 4 back started killing me. I threw the sucker out as a younger man (in my 40s). This was more muscular, where it was hard to shift by the last day and getting on and off sucked.

I think I'm set up well with good seat, bars, etc. Figure it was just the amount of time in the saddle and unused muscles. Do others have this problem? Anyone rocking the "kidney belt" things or other advise. Thanks!

 

you need a backrest

 

+1 on the backrest. My back is so much happier since I got my backrest. I can move it forward or backward to change my position. It's great! Cecil

 

My thought exactly.

Drew

 

Yep.....
Backrest!
Unless you were sleeping on rocks when you were camping

 

or don't go camping lol

 

Before I take a trip that is at least 1,500 mi here is what I do. I will start by changing my diet just a little to lose some excess weight (5-10 lbs) and do sit ups every day for at least two weeks to strengthen my stomach muscles. By doing this you strengthen your back also. When on a trip and at longer stops, I will do some stretching exercises. This keeps the muscles loose from that long time in the saddle. Starting out with a weak back will just give you problems down the road no matter what you do to your bike. Of course, making your bike ergonomically work for you does help.

 

thermacare heatwraps sure help on my lower back.

 

110% agree about the backrest. I bought my EGC without and added it during my first long tour. Yes it was pricey...but well worth the money IMO. Now the only time I have back soreness is when I don't get off the bike to stretch every 100 miles or so. The backrest not only helps support the lower back...it keeps it damp/moist which is good during long hauls. I would recommend buying the adjustable one so you can move around while driving. I sit up straight around town and put in the recline position during long rides/highways.