ridethecliche

My friend who runs cross country and track uses 'The Stick' for recovery purposes and let me borrow his for a bit.

I had pretty bad muscle soreness in my calves from cramping up and this seemed to help almost instantaneously. It's a little pricey, but it seems to be work well enough.

That is all.

CharlieWoo

Why are you cramping up to begin with? If you are properly hydrated and have sufficient glycogen/electrolyte intake you shouldn't cramp.

spunky

You can also cramp from overexertion and straining your muscles beyond their normal tolerances.

EventServices

i know a lot of riders who have one. I don't, but I've borrowed one. Best use: in the car on the way home from a race.

You can have every intention of massaging your legs, but if it was a real widow-maker of a ride, then your arms and hands won't feel like doing much massage. Enter, the stick.

ridethecliche

I wasn't properly hydrated. I lost my nalgene and was in class all day so I didn't drink much. I've started using one of my bottles for water though haha.

My calves are still really sore from cramping up and they actually hurt to the touch if I press/massage them.

Gee3

For cramps I now use Hammer Endurolyte pills. Several cyclists and one ironman competitor I know recommended it for cramps.

So I bought a bottle (about $19 at REI for 120 pills) this past weekend to see if it works. I usually cramp at around the 35 mile mark. I did my same routine on my ride, two bottles of fluid, one water and one powder endurance drink. Brought some gels taken once every 45 mins or so and ate half a Cilf Bar pefore the ride.

After taking 2 before the ride and 2 every hour I was able to ride 46 miles with no cramping. I needed more water at the end but at the 35 mile mark I was still going strong and made the complete 46 mile loop without a hitch.

So you may want to look into Endurolyte pills to help you out and see if it'll work for you as well. I just wish I knew about these before because I'd cramp all the time on longer rides.

Good luck!

ridethecliche

I've never cramped up before while riding. It was just because I wasn't well hydrated. My leg is still in pain, it's really frustrating.

donrhummy

Get a foam roller instead. They're $15 and easier to use.

jkizzle

your calves probably shouldnt be cramping, they shouldnt provide much power in the pedal stroke (seat could be too low, forcing your toe up at the top of your pedaling motion). this is my unprofessional opinion though, and i can remember one famous rider whos name escapes me right now saying that up climbs your feet should look like you are trying to scrape the mud off them on the pedals. i prefer to keep my kickers as horizontal as possible generally.

i guess it is really a preference in pedal stroke, and probably has alot to do with your shoes too.

ridethecliche

I had a basic fit at the shop where I bought my bike and my knee angles, cleat position, and back angle were satisfactory according to the fitter. I think I might need shims for my shoes, my legs might be uneven in length. I'm supposed to get a better fitting after getting comfortable on the bike, so that'll happen in a few weeks when I head back home for break.

felt1

Do I have to pay 39.00 dollars or can I just cut my mop handle in half and write "THE STICK" on it with a Magic Marker?

oboeguy

I have "The Stick" and think it's terrific. Much easier than using hands or (contrary to a poster above's statement) a foam roller. I use it before and after most rides and runs.

GatorFL

I use a stick and a foam roller. The stick works better on the calves and hamstrings, while the foam roller works better on the guads, IT, abductors, and adductors. The trick to myofacial release is to go really slow (which you may have already known, but no one had written anything about it yet).

sgd26

I ride, not alot, but a decent amount regularly (75 - 100 miles/wk). I also have completed a few centuries or greater, and the thing I found that works is Muscle Milk (by CytoSport). It tastes great and for me eliminates any soreness that I might experience.

rbart4506

+1 on the use of a stick and foam roller. I have both and basically do the same thing. The foam roller is a daily thing and the stick is only when I really need it. Both are a worthy investment for any serious cyclist.

C Law

I did that except I wrote "Il ramoscello'' on it.

KyleKranz

DocRay

It's as good as the stick. I have one, rarely use it.

My soigneuse, pictured below, prefers a lawn roller and vacuum.

clausen

+1
Go to the dollar store. Allot less than $39.

spdrcr5

I have "The Stick" and use it all the time. It works great.

rizz

If you are cramping, then it's your body telling you something is wrong. Don't cover the signs, you should instead address the root cause issue to prevent them from happening in the future.

The same goes for post-ride soreness. You should recover fairly quickly in a relatively short amount of time. If it's taking longer then it may be a sign of overtraining, technique issues, or equipment fitment problems.

countdowntolife

I thought this "THE STICK" thing was a joke. I get sore sometimes after long rides but nothing that a little streching won't get rid of. Do you strech before and after riding? I notice a lot of cyclist don't strech much. I was actually streching while riding yesterday. Helped out a lot.

What if this happens to your stick!?

Bontrager

I'll give you my professional opinion - your calves translate almost 100% of the power transmitted through them to your ankle and foot made by your hip extensors. Yes, there's a tiny amount transferred to your foot by your other flexors but if someone cut your achilles tendon you wouldn't be able to bike the way you currently do.