Cramp

[Bigtallfatbloke]

I have never had cramp while riding but on todays ride I got it twice, both times in my calf. Why could this be? I was riding my usual loop and my usual speed...nothing different...it was colder though.

 

[gratts]

It's encouraged by lack of oxygen and changes in temperature, amongst other things..
Were you finding yourself out of breath or owt?
Did you go from a nice warm house out into the cold?
Did you feel cold? Wearing any more than previous days considering it was colder?

 

[Bigtallfatbloke]

Did you go from a nice warm house out into the cold?
Did you feel cold? Wearing any more than previous days considering it was colder?

yes...but I did the sdame last winter and got no cramp..maybe I'm just older

 

[jimboalee]

Have more salt on your bacon and eggs.

 

[Jonathan M]

So many variables in cramp,it could all be down to an altered fluid intake in the previous couple of days.
When I cramp it is nearly always in warmer weather, and must be related to fluid 7 electrolyte loss. Don't tend to cramp in cooler weathers.

 

[Blonde]

You can get it from very fast cadence when not warmed up sufficiently, or conversely, from pushing a very large gear when not warmed up sufficiently - something to do with the intense muscle contractions. Warming up well with a bit of on-bike stretching (you know, unclip one foot, stretch calf etc) once warmed up could help.

 

[jimboalee]

Every morning in the company cafe, I had 3 eggs, two bangers and a slice of black pud. On this I would empty two of those small satchets of LO-Salt, 66% Potassium chloride.

Lately, I've changed that brekky for a Proto Pure bar from GNC. Chewy chocolate chip variety.

I've also noticed an increased occurance of cramps when I am just dozing off to sleep.

Back to the fry-up.. Not enough salt in the protein bar.

 

[e-rider]

I tend to only get cramp when I'm completely knackered at the end of a 100 miler for example - I assumed that it was related to dehydration/loss of salts etc. and muscles that want a rest!

Never had it while I'm still feeling fresh.

 

[mr Mag00]

you may find in the colder weather you are holding your feet tense

 

[jax67]

my cramps are caused by lack of oxygen and poor circulation due to a spinal problem (osteoarthritis) and very low bp when cycling. I carry potassium chloride with me and lots of fluids, paracetamol, and do stretching exercises at the side of the road if i cramp up - it helps no end

 

[jax67]

get your bp and circulation checked out just in case

 

[jax67]

mr MagOO stewie is god - hehehe (love your avatar matey)