freeranger

Some friends were going on an 18 mile bike ride Tuesday (paved paths). Knowing it was an easier ride-paved, only small hills, I decided to break out the old mountain bike just for the heck of it. And it's heavier than the road bike so figured it would give me more of a workout. Got thru the ride fine, felt good to have the mtn bike out again. But that night, while watching TV, fell asleep on the sofa and woke up literally screaming in pain from the worst leg cramp I've ever experienced! Above the knee, and from Google'ing it, looks like it might have been the quadricep muscle. I managed to get to my feet, though it was difficult to stand, and walked it off. Two days later, still sore but manageable. Stayed hydrated on the ride, with Gatorade, and I'm in very good shape (at the gym at least 3x a week). I'm a "young" 71 in excellent health trying to figure why. Only thing I come up with is the different position of the mtn bike (which seldom is used now) vs the road bike had me using a different set of muscles,or using them in a different way. Any thoughts?

'02 nrs 

agree-diff. set of muscles.same happened to me,72 yo, when I rode my B bike with a lower seat.no issues when I switched back to A bike,taller frame with less leg bend when riding.try raising the seat.

billridesbikes

You might be in great shape, but those muscles weren’t conditioned for that activity. Sounds like the morning after the first day of cross-country season.