Make it a point to stand up one minute out of every five. Specially designed saddles, like the Body Geometry series from Specialized, can make a big difference in comfort for both men and women. They'll toughen up your backside, raise your fitness level, and give you more endurance. The best time to schedule these consecutive rides is over a weekend when you have more time. Experienced riders switch to dark-colored socks when the roads get sloppy, so stains don't show.
Dark socks are great for mountain biking, too.
Pearl Izumi and DeFeet both make good cycling socks. Riding no-hands is dangerous and illegal in some states. But the technique is often used by cyclists who want to peel an energy bar on the fly. If you are planning to ride no-hands, practice in a safe, empty parking lot before you try it on the road. Steer with your hips, make sure you have a clear road ahead, and be ready to return at least one hand to the bars on short notice.