gabkr

Went for a 70 mile group ride yesterday,one mountain and some bigger rollers. About 60-65 miles into ride developed a slight right quad cramp,stopped for a minute and caught up to group using lower gearing. We were close to finishing,group started pushing pace and I was doing fine spinning a higher cadence with a lower gear.On a slight hill I stood up and both quads and my right hamstring locked up,I thought it would be impossible to get my foot unclipped and down on the ground....panic....was able to though. Just wondering if anyone has ever cramped so bad it caused them to wreck?

RideroftheStorm

It wasn't a wreck per se as much a complete desertion of grace and form. I let myself get dehydrated on a long, hot ride and as I was starting to go uphill, my right calf cramped horribly. I was able to unclip and stop the bike safely, but my right is the one I instinctively put on the ground when I stop. It refused to bear weight so instead I rather slowly pitched over and ended up laying down for an unscheduled rest.

carpediemracing 

Yes, while racing, riding, and even just trying to get off my bike. I've also had my leg/s seize while driving after a hard ride/race.

I find that using higher gears with lower cadence helps me deal with cramps. For me the rapid muscle firing of high cadences causes me to actually seize. By pedaling much slower, in a higher gear, I can keep going for a while. I am rarely able to stay with others if I'm in a cramping phase.

As for preventing cramps I can't offer advice. I do best if I'm fit and reasonably hydrated. Electrolyte drinks seem to cause me to cramp, even when I'm super fit. I stick with sugar and water type drinks (either soda or plain water).

merlinextraligh

I had a team mate cramp, come to a stop on a hill, and fall ovr sideways when he couldn't unclip.

One time after a very hard century, I was cramping so bad driving home, I had to pull the car over and let my wife drive.