Originally Posted by
bruce19
When I get in trouble on a longer ride it's all about my quads cramping if I try to stand. At least it has been to this point. Having experienced the bonk I know that is not what is happening to me. As I think this out and consider all the responses here I'm realizing that when this has occurred it seems to be as a result of the combination of a longer ride and significant climbing. This last ride included two climbs of steep grade and length. Both were at least a mile long. That may not seem so terrible to some but I am hovering around 190 lbs and that is 12 lbs over what I was when I got out of Basic Training in 1969 and what I consider my best weight to be. My theory has been that hauling that extra weight over significant climbing at age 67 is just wearing out my legs. Combined with a lack of proper fueling. I don't know if that's true but I do know I can ride the flats with any of my clubs B+ riders and some A riders and feel just fine. I also recover extremely well after climbs. But, climbing over time just leaves my legs burned out.
Cramping is sometimes mysterious but I think the consensus is that it is usually brought on simply by overuse, and that certainly seems to be the case here. It may have nothing whatever to do with your nutrition, though making sure you get some electrolytes inside you may help delay it.
The other thing to think about is climbing technique. If it's your quads that are suffering on the climbs, try sitting a little more upright and further back to engage your glutes and hamstrings a bit more. Might give the quads a bit of respite.