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Long ride w climbs = tired

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Long ride w climbs = tired

Old 07-13-16, 01:19 PM
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My non-expert though is that the cramps were just a matter of going out harder and longer than you were used to going. Maybe in warmer weather, too? Dehydration may have played a part, but I don't think sugar did; after all, that's basically what Gu is.
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Old 07-13-16, 01:44 PM
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Originally Posted by BlazingPedals
Dehydration may have played a part
Since I have always thought that is you're urinating, you aren't dehydrated and I had pee'd twice during the ride and drank 4 full bottles. Could I have drank more, you bet. The question is should I have drank more and that is an idea to consider.

I use eGel, which I think is different than Gu. It is half again as big in calories and volume plus more electrolyte based and no caffeine.

This has been bugging me all day (I'm not getting much work done) because I don't want to experience that again. I wasn't going hard at all, and would describe the pace as "casual" or "conversation".

Lot's of good info to think over and come up with a game plan to prevent cramps. I think when several members repeat the same advice, it must be good advice and worth consideration.

Thanks
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Old 07-13-16, 01:45 PM
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Short extremely steep ones do too .. This town 7 blocks are straight , get off and Push, Uphill.
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Old 07-13-16, 01:50 PM
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Originally Posted by fietsbob
Short extremely steep ones do too .. This town 7 blocks are straight , get off and Push, Uphill.
My Specialized Roubaix has a 9 speed rear cassette with 12-32 gears and a standard compact up front, so there isn't too much walking going on during a ride. Now on my Cannondale, it's a 10 speed with an 11-28 rear cassette, and there is one hill that I can't climb up but luckily I'm only walking about 50 yards. I do have a 12-30 cassette ready to go on and think I will be good to go on any hill around my area. I took the Roubaix knowing it was a better geared climbing bike and more comfortable too.
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Old 07-13-16, 02:56 PM
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If had to do a 100k ride in the hills starting on an empty stomach, I would just die (a couple of my regular rides are just that, about 100 km with around 1000-1200 meters climbing). I always have a good breakfast before a ride, usually grapefruit or orange juice, a cappuccino, rustic bread toast or multi-grain cereal, home-made apple sauce, and yogurt. Just enough fuel to get going without feeling heavy and bloated. Depending on the length of the ride, I will stop for a sandwich, or have a granola bar or two and some nuts to tide me over 'till I get home. And there's always Gatorade in at least one water bottle.

Last Friday I did a (relatively flat) century, and I brought a small backpack with a bottle of orange juice, two apples, 4 bags of cashews, and a salami sandwich, plus I started out with two bottles of Gatorade on the bike, and replenished one with water along the way after I emptied it.

I have Type II diabetes treated with metformin, and I don't know if it's related or not but riding fasted does weird things to me, and I feel weak and wobbly on the bike.

It seems to me that hydration, nutrition and electrolytes are all necessary on a challenging ride.
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Old 07-13-16, 04:01 PM
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Cramps? Sweating a lot? Bananas and chocolate milk. Pickle juice is another incredibly effective anti-cramp post-ride drink. I always keep a jar of it just for a few gulps. But we've recently discussed this.
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Old 07-13-16, 04:27 PM
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I've yet to expierience cramps but I don't drink soda. I drink pop.
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Old 07-13-16, 04:42 PM
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Update: went out for a club ride this evening and limped home after a few miles. Inner L thigh is not cooperating. No cramps but no power either, slight pain. Ugh!!!!

There was no warning all day long that there might be some residual issues. Time for a little Motrin. I never stretch before a ride but will next time.
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Old 07-13-16, 04:59 PM
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Originally Posted by NYMXer
While that is why I started this thread and shared my concerns with the members here, as you can see.... not all agree.

You raise some points worth looking into because I do not want that to happen again. Just remember what I have posted so far...... all the pre-ride coffee, going out fasted, etc is part of my normal routine and has nver been an issue for me since I've started cycling 11 months ago.

So I am looking for something unusual but it looks to me like neuromuscular fatigue more than hydration or electrolyte but quite possibly all of the above. Thought maybe others here had similar situations and a way of dealing with it.

Ah! Newbie...at least relative newbie

The first thing to realize is that just because it's your "normal" routine, doesn't mean that you respond to it the same way every time. You aren't a robot. What works today doesn't necessarily mean that it will work the same way tomorrow. It will probably be similar but there are no guarantees. Experiment a bit with changing your routine, especially since you seem to have some post ride cramping. Instead of only a beer after riding, try an electrolyte drink before (or after the beer). I'd probably cut down on the potassium supplement too. "Salt pills"...and potassium is a type of salt...are way out of favor for pre-, post- or during activity. It's easy to over do it.

I would also say...based on your last post...that you have done some muscle tissue damage as well. I've found that is normal on thigh cramps. Your thigh muscles are large and have a lot of power in them. When the cramp, they pull hard and it's easy to strain them. Take it easy and ride flat stuff in a low gear for a few days. You want to spin with light pressure on the pedals so as to give yourself some time to recover.
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Old 07-22-16, 11:20 PM
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Speed wobble can be harmonic vibration.
Have had on single bike and tandem. Scary at 45 mph!
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Old 07-22-16, 11:43 PM
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Has anyone else tried Tums for leg cramps? It has worked for me on hot century rides around Thermal.
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Old 07-23-16, 03:16 PM
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Originally Posted by Mobile 155
Has anyone else tried Tums for leg cramps? It has worked for me on hot century rides around Thermal.
Was going to mention them. Rolaids don't work though. I have been told it is because of the high calcium and magnesium in the TUMS.

Sports drinks are okay, however make sure you are drinking enough water. Using only a sports drink can lead to more dehydration, especially if it is high in sugars. I try alternate between a sports drink (i use diluted Endurox) and plain water on long rides.
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Old 07-23-16, 03:46 PM
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I have not had anymore issues since that ride but I have made a few slight adjustments to my pre-ride routine. I make sure I am fully hydrated the night before (sucks for night time sleep with the bathroom wake ups), take vitamins the night before and while I am still going out "fasted", I am drinking more water in the morning and only 1 coffee. I also have been adding more apple cider vinegar to my riding water bottles.

So far, even with temps well into the 90's, no issues but I haven't gone out as long nor climbed as much since either. I hoping it was just a freak thing due to many conditions being generated all at once. One thing I forgot to mention when I started this post was that I was riding with 2 cracked ribs from a mtb accident 2 weeks before, so my breathing was not as good as normal and maybe contributed to the severe cramping.
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