So 20 miles into a ride i suddenly started cramping in my calfs (calves?) So much so i had to stop a couple of times. then in the bath later both hamstrings did the same. Now this was my first road ride for a looooog time, and as i ride flats on mtb im not used to being clipped in. Do you reckon it's a result of not being used to pulling up on the pedal stroke? Or electrolyte levels? |
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"I think bananas are good for cramp. Could be wrong.
Also hydration should help "
It's tricky to stay hydrated in this weather isn't it?! I rode 30 miles last week mainly off road. Drank 3 litres before hand, took 3 liters with me, and stopped for a pint of . Did a little wee 30 mins after i got in and it was still dark!  |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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I cycle a lot and regularly do long distances. The issue may be hydration but is more to do with being clipped in.
Firstly get your cleats fitted at the correct angle for you. At the start concentrate on making sure your foot is at the right angle. The tendency is to cycle with your heal to high and this then is an unnatural position for what you’re used to and causes cramp and spasms.
The push and pull cycling motion will come in times concentrate on actual feet position and angle first. One of my shoes has a slight raiser in side.
Best advise is to find a bike shop that can do a shoe and clear fit for you. Lastly my cycling shoes are one size up from my standard shoe due to feet slightly swelling during exercise.
Hope this helps |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"So 20 miles into a ride i suddenly started cramping in my calfs (calves?) So much so i had to stop a couple of times. then in the bath later both hamstrings did the same. Now this was my first road ride for a looooog time, and as i ride flats on mtb im not used to being clipped in. Do you reckon it's a result of not being used to pulling up on the pedal stroke? Or electrolyte levels?"
Calf (gastrocnemius) 
Can get a pair of compression tights for your calfs  skins do good ones, increase the blood flow to the muscle which will prevent cramp etc, and aud with recovery times
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"So 20 miles into a ride i suddenly started cramping in my calfs (calves?) So much so i had to stop a couple of times. then in the bath later both hamstrings did the same. Now this was my first road ride for a looooog time, and as i ride flats on mtb im not used to being clipped in. Do you reckon it's a result of not being used to pulling up on the pedal stroke? Or electrolyte levels?
Calf (gastrocnemius)
Can get a pair of compression tights for your calfs skins do good ones, increase the blood flow to the muscle which will prevent cramp etc, and aud with recovery times
"
I do have some i used for running actually, it just seemed too hot for long socks!! |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"So 20 miles into a ride i suddenly started cramping in my calfs (calves?) So much so i had to stop a couple of times. then in the bath later both hamstrings did the same. Now this was my first road ride for a looooog time, and as i ride flats on mtb im not used to being clipped in. Do you reckon it's a result of not being used to pulling up on the pedal stroke? Or electrolyte levels?"
Clamped in, the angle which your food sits can be different and the muscles are are used to it. Double it's electrolytes as that would happen on MTB too. |
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"I cycle a lot and regularly do long distances. The issue may be hydration but is more to do with being clipped in.
Firstly get your cleats fitted at the correct angle for you. At the start concentrate on making sure your foot is at the right angle. The tendency is to cycle with your heal to high and this then is an unnatural position for what you’re used to and causes cramp and spasms.
The push and pull cycling motion will come in times concentrate on actual feet position and angle first. One of my shoes has a slight raiser in side.
Best advise is to find a bike shop that can do a shoe and clear fit for you. Lastly my cycling shoes are one size up from my standard shoe due to feet slightly swelling during exercise.
Hope this helps "
Cheers |
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"So 20 miles into a ride i suddenly started cramping in my calfs (calves?) So much so i had to stop a couple of times. then in the bath later both hamstrings did the same. Now this was my first road ride for a looooog time, and as i ride flats on mtb im not used to being clipped in. Do you reckon it's a result of not being used to pulling up on the pedal stroke? Or electrolyte levels?
Clamped in, the angle which your food sits can be different and the muscles are are used to it. Double it's electrolytes as that would happen on MTB too."
Yeah, that makes sense. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"I think bananas are good for cramp. Could be wrong.
Also hydration should help
It's tricky to stay hydrated in this weather isn't it?! I rode 30 miles last week mainly off road. Drank 3 litres before hand, took 3 liters with me, and stopped for a pint of . Did a little wee 30 mins after i got in and it was still dark! "
Your first wee always is, keep hydrated, 2 litres a day minimum whether your cycling or not, should help  |
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Beetroot juice helps, but as part of an overall nutrition regime. You are asking your body to do things it isn't used to so give it a few additional foods may help.
Potassium rich is good, if you take ibuprofen for pain relief, be aware that this uses the potassium in your body to work so you will need additional sources.
Sodium and water: what man doesn't like melons, apparently they come in pairs 
Kale or other leafy greens.
oh and some athletes swear by pickle juice (it has an effect on the nervous system apparently).
Good luck, just give your body a bit extra is my advice. |
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"I think bananas are good for cramp. Could be wrong.
Also hydration should help
It's tricky to stay hydrated in this weather isn't it?! I rode 30 miles last week mainly off road. Drank 3 litres before hand, took 3 liters with me, and stopped for a pint of . Did a little wee 30 mins after i got in and it was still dark! "
Omg! Just realised i used a band word!! Is Cola ok? |
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