Coming back from Embsay Railway Station today.I got terrible cramp not once but six times.First time near Addingham near Ilkley i got off and walked a little way.A couple more i got off again and did some stretches while holding my bike.But the worst ,my thighs were screwed i had to sit on the grass and pull my toes forward.I have never had it so bad.
How do you deal with cramp on a ride.
- Thread starter postman
- Start date
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D
Deleted member 1258
Guest
I usually stop and stretch. I had a break from riding fixed and when I started again I found I had problems with cramp in my right calf, it would happen when temperatures had dropped to around freezing, or below, and always kicked in on a fast high spinning descent.
welsh dragon
Thanks but no thanks. I think I'll pass.
I tend to get cramp in my foot. The last couple of rides it has been quite bad. I tend to just hop around swearing for a few minutes until it goes. You can get tablets called zero high. Its a sports drink. Just disolve the tablet in water and drink. It has minerals and salts that you need. Drink a glass before your ride. It might help. You can buy them from Amazon and they come in different flavours.
welsh dragon
Thanks but no thanks. I think I'll pass.
Dayvo
just passin' through
- Location
- 59° 50′ 5.55″ N, 10° 47′ 41.89″ E
Stretch it out, wait a while but walk around slowly (if shoes permit) or try and prevent it by drinking regularly before you get thirsty.
ColinJ
Puzzle game procrastinator!
- Location
- Todmorden - Yorks/Lancs border
I used to get it years ago but I haven't recently. I think Dayvo could be right about the drinking - I make sure that I don't get thirsty. I used to wait until I felt I really needed a drink but often got cramp and/or bonked, which wasn't very pleasant.
cyberknight
As long as I breathe, I attack.
- Location
- Land of confusion
I got cramps on last year midland monster , i only drank 2 bottles in 75 miles is all im saying and i cramped up in the last 15 miles .
mjr
Comfy armchair to one person & a plank to the next
- Location
- mostly Norfolk, sometimes Somerset
I think I've only really suffered once and my response was to fall onto the verge, then do a little dance while groaning the sort of language that would make the devil seek forgiveness! Drink more and keep minerals topped up, either through diet or drink supplements.
Mark1978
Veteran
- Location
- Shouldham, West Norfolk
I always get cramp in my feet when they get cold - i end up wearing overshoes for months after everyone else does cos im likely to get it in anything below 10 degrees. Not sure why, and only ever in my feet. Yesterday I went out early and it was cold and damp. Even with overshoes on, i got cramp 3 times in 50 miles.
Banjo
Fuelled with Jelly Babies
- Location
- South Wales
Another vote for High 5 Zero tabs in your water bottle.
They are zero calories but contain the salts and minerals to replace those you lose through sweating.Various flavours tastes are refreshing .
Once tried to keep up with someone much fitter than me on a windy hilly 100 miler stupidly insisted on doing my bit on the front into the wind. On a long climb I got severe cramp in both thighs. If I had a gun I would have shot myself to get rid of the pain. Took me about half an hour to stretch it out.
They are zero calories but contain the salts and minerals to replace those you lose through sweating.Various flavours tastes are refreshing .
Once tried to keep up with someone much fitter than me on a windy hilly 100 miler stupidly insisted on doing my bit on the front into the wind. On a long climb I got severe cramp in both thighs. If I had a gun I would have shot myself to get rid of the pain. Took me about half an hour to stretch it out.
NorthernDave
Never used Über Member
- Location
- The real Northern Powerhouse
Another vote for High 5 Zero , SIS or something along those lines in your water bottle.As someone who has suffered from cramping in the lower legs in the past, I can testify that they do work.
Halfords have High 5 on 3 for 2 at the moment:
http://www.halfords.com/cycling/training/sports-nutrition/high5-zero - that's 60 tablets for under £7.
Plus, drink plenty - i think the recommended amount is 750ml an hour during 'moderate' exercise, more on a hot day like today. It's incredibly easy to get dehydrated by only drinking when you feel thirsty.
Halfords have High 5 on 3 for 2 at the moment:
http://www.halfords.com/cycling/training/sports-nutrition/high5-zero - that's 60 tablets for under £7.
Plus, drink plenty - i think the recommended amount is 750ml an hour during 'moderate' exercise, more on a hot day like today. It's incredibly easy to get dehydrated by only drinking when you feel thirsty.
Shortandcrisp
Über Member
For me the triggers were always when working hard on the bike and/or sweating profusely. High 5 tablets helped but I found taking a magnesium tablet daily would mostly deal with with the problem.
