NeezyDeezy

I just got my new (used) bike back from being overhauled! Thanks everybody who helped me.

I have taken it for a few long training rides using Cyccommute's advice of using rice and beans or water in the panniers.

Here's the thing. I keep getting debilitating cramps! I have tried extra water, bananas, gatorade, and pedialyte, and no matter what I do after about 30 miles I get the kind of seizing cramps that almost make me fall off my bike. SO PAINFUL. It's weird, I don't feel tired at all, it's just my legs won't cooperate.

I've got to solve this before my upcoming tour... What should I do?

Thanks!

markewallace

Two things, in my opinion:

1. See a physician about the cramps
2. Have a bike shop check the bike's fit for you

cyccommute 

When I tour, I carry a Camelbak to give me easier access to more water. I also carry 2 bottles of Gatorade that I drink while riding, too. The other thing I do is to force my self to take regular breaks. I have a Timex IronMan watch that has several count down alarms on it. One of them is set to 1 hour, then 5 minutes, then 1 hour followed by 15 minutes. At the end of the first hour, I take the 5 minute break. At the end of the second hour, I take the 15 minute break, at which time I usually eat a snack.
I find that if I don't do this, I end up pushing to hard and hurting myself.

Also try pushing lower gears. You want to spin more and mash less. You are carrying a load...don't try to race