Originally Posted by
Carbonfiberboy
After a hard ride I take a cal/mag 500/250 cap. Really helps. I don't think aspirin is effective. During, Tums is very effective, as is pickle juice, lime juice, and mustard. Tums is easiest to carry. I never take ibuprofen unless absolutely necessary for pain resulting from inflammation. Not recommended.
Interesting. Do you mean that you have tried aspirin and it hasn't worked for you, or that you have other information to suggest so? If the latter, I'd be curious to know the source.
I too avoid ibuprofen, though I believe that the chief risk is to the kidneys and that this is not a serious issue if taken infrequently and with plenty of water. Aspirin, of course, is safe to use on an occasional basis.
Lots of people here have posted about electrolytes of various kinds. My experience with electrolytes (my preferred form is Endurolytes, but I've done everything from Tums to pickle juice) is that it is effective to prevent cramps *before they become a problem*, but that once cramps set in, it's too late to avoid further pain simply by taking electrolytes (or by catching up on hydration. YMMV.