Originally Posted by
Daveyboy
Clifton - do you frequently get migraines on longer rides?
I did the first 30 mile ride of the year last Saturday and woke up Sunday am with a migraine. I haven't had one in a while, so I wondered then if it was because I'm not used to craning my neck for so long.
p.s. (sorry for the sidebar.)
Since it's related to supplementation, I'll consider this to still be on topic.
My migraines are typically triggered by my insomnia, which causes muscular problems due to the poor quality/lack of sleep. Straining to overcompensate for muscle weakness causes the headaches.
Long distance rides put similar stresses on the body: Holding your head at an unusual position for long hours, strain on the legs and arms, lack of rest, etc. This, combined with the potential for dehydration or imbalance of electrolytes can trigger a headache.
Electrolyte replacements, prophylactic OTC migraine medication, and proper hydration/calorie planning make for a much more enjoyable ride. I don't get headaches from riding anymore, but before I really understood the reasons, it used to happen quite often for any ride I did over 6 or 7 hours.