Training & Nutrition - Help Leg Cramping!

I have ridden for several years, including at least one century through the summer months. But the last few years have suffered leg cramps mid to later part of longer rides. I just completed a century and suffered the most I ever have. {started cramping @ 45 miles**. I made sure I was hydrated. Could hardly wait for each rest stop needing to pee & drank a bottle of water & bottle of power aid between each rest stop.- Lack of training? I did do less long weekend rides this year than normal.-Chemical imbalance? I wonder if some medicine I take could be causing this.-I take Lipitor for cholesteral control, Alegra for allergies. I understand that Lipitor can cause muscle weakness, but not sure if can cause cramping. Any suggestions?

It also could be due to a change in your position. Also, make sure you are getting all the key electrolytes; sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. The last two are very important but often ignored.

Havn't changed ridding possition or sadle in several years. How do you suggest I change? Started day before ride with pasta, water, and gatorade. Felt like legs were strong if not for cramping.

If you are not peeing clear you are not hydrated correctly. Cramping is usually related to electrolytes being lost, causing problems for your body's electrical system (nerves). Most of your symptoms indicate you needed more salts on the ride. There are salt tabs you can take to supplement during the ride just take the with water and not sports drink. I have heard of people (Ironman competitors) adding some table salt to Gatorade as sodium is a little low when compared to the rest of the electrolytes. I think I just saw something on VeloNews.com on stomach issues but a lot of it applies to general ride nutrition.

I cramp all the time on the bike. Solve this by eating bananas before rides and on first waking in the mornings. Think raisins are good for potassium, also, and they're easy to carry/eat on a long ride. Look out, though, too many bananas will constipate you.

My stepfather suffers from muscle cramping, and his doctor got him quinine pills, which have been a miracle pill for him so far. Might be worth looking into. I'm not sure what they do, or how they do it, but he swears by them.

My stepfather suffers from muscle cramping, and his doctor got him quinine pills, which have been a miracle pill for him so far. Might be worth looking into. I'm not sure what they do, or how they do it, but he swears by them.

apparently this is not a good idea.

http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=78097



I know this is an old thread, but just in case someone is doing research on their cramping problem.

I used to suffer from quad cramps after long rides. I increased my calcium intake, the problem went away...

One Alka-Seltzer gold tab 45 minutes before the ride.

A different view: http://www.ultracycling.com/training/cramping.html

And... http://scienceofsport.blogspot.com/2007/11/muscle-cramps-part-1-theories-and.html