need alternative to hard seat

I'm riding the Katy from Clinton to St. Charles in a couple of weeks. I have a traditional bike saddle and my rear end is very sore. What can I do to save my butt during the trip?

Firstly, wear spandex chamois shorts. If you're one of those who think they look "unmanly," then have fun with your sore butt. Secondly, get a gel seat cover. Gel is better than the memory foam, imo. Sports Authority has them for $20. Thirdly, use Chamois Butter if chafing is an issue. Generally speaking, it takes several consecutive long rides to condition your butt.

The position of the seat could also be an issue. It may be too high....too low in the front or rear. Read online about seat adjustment or visit your local bike shop and they may be able help you with proper height, nose, tail, fore and aft adjustment.

I think the #1 reason people get a sore butt from riding is because they haven’t ridden enough. This may not be the case for you, but I think it is for most folks with this problem. The remedy is to ride at least 10 miles per day, 4-5 days per week. This will toughen-up the muscles that come in contact with your seat (saddle). Other things to consider:
1. Padded bike shorts, can be worn under your pants.
2. Consider a recumbent bike; their seats are much more comfortable.
3. Riding position. If you distribute more of your weight to your hands and feet, there will be less on your rear. This is part of the reason for drop handlebars of road bikes.
4. Seat position. A little adjustment can make a big difference. I can show you, but can’t tell you how to do this, so you may need some help.
5. They sell a variety of seats at the bike shop, but in my opinion, it is one, or all of the above. You can buy a $90 seat, but if you don’t ride on it, your butt will be sore after 30 miles on the Katy.

I'm going to second what ChrisJ said. I have done two end-to-end trips on the Katy, but will add one thing. Do not get a "comfort" or wide saddle if you ever experience chafing. This will only make it worse.

First trip: not alot of time on the bike before-hand, wide saddle, comfort bike with higher handlebars & lots of suspension = butt soreness beginning the first day, lots of chafing.

Second trip: regular smaller rides leading up to the trip, smaller saddle, road/trail bike (hard-tail), chamois butter every day - no butt soreness or chafing.

So you can see what made the difference for me...

I have many many rides of 100+ mile days and have even done Ultra distant events of
300 mile days. There is no substitute for miles on the bike to get you "seat" comfortable
for long days in the saddle. Ride often and ride distances and you will build the comfort
level.

OK... things you can do. Even with the tens of thousands of miles I have ridden, there are
times even I get sore. A Race Across America Racer friend told me to do this... Wear 2
pairs of bike shorts. Yes TWO. Wear the first pair (the pair against your skin) inside out.
Then the 2nd pair wear normal over the top. It feels a bit bulky, but on the bike you won't
notice it and I promise you wont have any soreness when you are done.

I see people wearing improper clothing. First off, never wear underwear under riding
shorts. This can and will cause chaffing. 2nd, always buy GOOD Quality bike shorts with
quality chamois. 2nd... riding a big wide comfy seat will just make things worse in most
instances. I ride a light weight racing seat... not because its cooling looking, but because
there is less there to cause pain. The seat is contacting my "sit" bone area and not much
else. Over the years I tried gel seats, wider seats, etc and they just made things worse.

Good luck and have a great time!

Interesting the two chamois short concept...I've never heard of that. It sounds reasonable though to increase the thickness of the padding. As your padding compresses through a ride, the comfort level goes down.

I've taken an extra pair of riding shorts and changed when I became uncomfortable in the seat. That requires two pair of shorts, but you only have to wear one at a time.

Part of it also is wearing the 1st pair inside out so the "spandex" is against the skin. I know it
sounds weird, but I promise it works. Lots of Ultra Distance riders do this. I've ridden 24 hour
events with very sore feet, tired legs, stiff neck, but with my butt not much more tired then if
I had done 80-100 miles with a regular pair of shorts.