Thanks for everyone for the suggestions. I had the opportunity to put them to the test, as my husband and I took a weeks vacation around the Port Dover Fri 13th. We took a long route getting there and did it in 2 sections. The first day we rode 7 hours with 2 small stops for gas and to analyze the route, as there were many detours in the upper end of Toronto and wicked traffic!!!! Those tribulations made us stop early and pick up the trip the next morning. We were tired at that point, but not our butts. Day 1 saw 7 hours on the road (plus breaks) and Day 2 another 5 hours. My husband used the bead seat I made him, and when we were at Port Dover, he didn't even want to look at a sheep skin as he says the beads were the best. Each day in southwestern Ontario, we would do full days of touring and he was never sore nor hot. He said it was the best thing ever for long distance riding !!! My experience was a little different. On the trip down I started with the sheep skin and a "Coleman Camping Air Pillow for Sleeping" underneath it. My homemade method similar to the idea behind the airhawk cushion. I held it onto the seat with one of the real tiny bungy cords hooked onto a zip tie on the frame under the seat. This way I could keep more air in the cushion to the front or back of the seat. I inflated or deflated it to different degrees according to where I wanted the comfort and positioning. Higher in the front to push me back fpr riding with stretched arms and legs: higher in the back to push me forward at some points in the ride. I find changing positions works wonders for the entire body. I used this combination for the two days going down. During the week the temps were around 30 and I used the beaded seat for air flow. I can say that I was glad to have the beaded seat on the hot muggy days as it gave air flow which had a cooling effect, but I wasn't hot or sweaty on the sheep skin either on the ride going down and back. The sheep skin does give warmth and comfort on the cooler rides, like early morning. I'm sure it will be my favourite in the fall season. One little extra point for those really hot rides. I purchased from Wal-Mart the extra strength gold bond medicated powder and used a good sprinkle before my rides and after my shower when we arrived back at the camp site. I never had any break outs or the sweats during the entire week (and it was really hot !) and am ready to do another long trip. Final words .. prevention is the best cure .. SAFE AND FUN RIDING TO ALL.
