[DVBC] HELP! cycling cramps

[Debbie Chaga]

Jake,
I definitely agree with the others especially that you've got to drink and
eat prior to the ride to get it in your system.  I also suggest eating
bananas since they are a good source of potassium.  I also take a
multivitamin and calcium with potassium daily.
Deb

On Mon, Jul 20, 2009 at 2:12 PM, Jake L. <redallez at gmail.com> wrote:

> Wow, excellent feedback, thank you so much!
>
> jake
>
>
>
> On Mon, Jul 20, 2009 at 2:02 PM, <kmendel4 at comcast.net> wrote:
>
>>  Jake, (and Tony)
>>
>>
>>
>> A few issues--- active ingredient in tonic water is quinine, which we
>> usually use for unexplained nocturnal cramps, not those induced by exercise.
>> If quinine works for you you can get pills and avoid bitter taste of tonic.
>>
>>
>>
>>  The likely culprit with late in the ride cramps is combo of electrolyte
>> depletion-not just dehydration, especially potassium loss coupled with some
>> lactic acid buildup in the muscles which shift from aerobic (oxygen
>> dependent) to anaerobic metabolism.Conditioning helps the most but change
>> climbing technique to higher rate of spin and high RPM low resistance
>> pedaling when not climbing may help speed clearing of lactic acid.
>>
>>
>>
>> Hydration pre-ride is hard to accomplish as you will not retain excess
>> fluid only what your body requires, but definitely don't start out
>> dehydrated.
>>
>>
>>
>> Hope this helps.
>>
>>
>>
>> Ken
>>
>>
>>
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: "Jake L." <redallez at gmail.com>
>> To: dvbc-list at dvbc.org
>> Sent: Monday, July 20, 2009 12:58:44 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern
>> Subject: Re: [DVBC] HELP! cycling cramps
>>
>> Tony,
>>
>> Are you suggesting I drink Tonic water during a ride or prior to it?
>>
>> I know tonic water contains a muscle relaxant so that makes sense.
>>
>> thanks!
>> jake
>>
>>
>> On Mon, Jul 20, 2009 at 12:34 PM, Antonio Rocha <tony at dvbc.org> wrote:
>>
>>> Jake,
>>> NUMBER 1 cause of cramping is dehydration. You drinking every 15
>>> minutes during a ride is good, but pre-hydration is more important.
>>> Make sure you are well hydrated the day before a ride and you will
>>> see a major improvement.
>>> And by hydrating the day before, I don't mean beer. Beer dehydrates you.
>>>
>>> Tonic water is the best thing for cramps. It doesn't taste good, but
>>> works wonders. Keeps you hydrated and cramps-be-gone. Before and after a
>>> ride.
>>>
>>> Tony
>>>
>>>
>>> At 12:27 PM 7/20/2009, you wrote:
>>> >Hey All,
>>> >
>>> >Does anyone know what is the best way of preventing cramps? My leg
>>> >muscles (upper) cramp up quiet a bit. Did not have this problem when
>>> >I started biking few years ago but at the time I was overweight
>>> >quite a bit. As I lost weight the cramps started to occur.
>>> >
>>> >Fast forward to this weekend. Did Mary's ride which was a bit over
>>> >20 miles in distance, at the last stretch from Ridley Creek to Rose
>>> >Tree both my legs completely locked up and I had to stop for about 5
>>> >minutes. On Sunday the same thing happened except this time it did
>>> >not happen until mile 30 during the Art Museum ride.
>>> >
>>> >The factors that I'm aware of that cause cramps are:
>>> >
>>> >1) lack of riding (yes, that would apply to me right at this moment
>>> >BUT last year I worked out intensively 2 months prior to the
>>> >Livestrong Challange, I rode ALOT but still cramped up at the last
>>> >mile of the 45m ride.)
>>> >2) mineral deficiency (calcium - I had 6+ Tums during each ride, and
>>> >glass of OJ before leaving home)
>>> >3) dehydration - not applicable to me, I drink every 15 minutes
>>> >while riding, 2 x 20oz bottles with Cytmoax Mix on both rides
>>> >
>>> >
>>> >I actually had complete blood workup done last year because of the
>>> >cramping but results did not show ANY mineral deficiencies. So why
>>> >am I always cramping up at the end of a ride?
>>> >
>>> >jake
>>> >
>>> >
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>>>
>>>
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>>
>>
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