Reducing initial muscle soreness + shock

[ms_moneypenny]

...and socks...a good blister care package...lots of h2o...glutamine...those carb gels so she doesn't bonk

[monkey]

I think the most important thing is for her to invest in a few pairs of high quality bike shorts.

Yup.. I suggested that to her. Used to work for a high quality sports apparel manufacturer and could get 50% off.. but she chose to go buy some bunk at MEC ( bunk due to being quite cheap and not being used by anyone I know for long rides)...
Wrong place to save.. ouch!