Originally Posted by
Machka
You haven't ridden on brevets with me then! If I don't drink properly, I'm walking barefoot up and down the shoulder of the road trying to get the cramps out of my toes. But I discovered that when I feel the faintest twinge of a cramp coming on, if I grab my bottle and drink ... and drink quite a bit, not just a little sip ... that seems to ward off the cramps.
Plus, last summer I cramped in my quads on a century ride. That was a combination of dehydration (I was badly dehydrated) and over-exertion because not only was I not drinking anywhere near enough, I was also riding harder than I was used to. I think that was the first time my quads have ever cramped.
You're absolutely right! Come on down and ride with SIR this spring. We'll be riding in lovely rain while you still have snow. Check the website! That'd be fun. But that is really strange, not to mention weird. I know, it's those spike heels. That'll do it every time.
Or maybe you wore them in a previous life.
I also have had occasions, especially when it's raining, that I'll notice a twinge, drink a lot, and it'll go away. When it's cold and rainy it's easy to forget we need to drink. But those rolling-by-the-road cramps that'll put a person away I only get from going too hard without enough training. And, like you say, the shorter rides are much worse for it. Though I've always been able to get up after 10 minutes or so and continue as long as I keep the effort down for the rest of the day. Cycling is so much nicer than running that way.
I find that if I take the right amount of electrolytes, it stimulates my thirst so I don't get dehydrated as easily. They also help my stomach empty during harder efforts. I use Endurolytes and keep them in a coin purse up my shorts leg in good weather. For me, 1-2 an hour is usually enough to stimulate thirst.