|
|
Cruiser
Posts: 215
orrick, mo | I've found if I ride 400 or so miles in a day that at night I get cramps in my calf muscles. I was wondering if anyone else had this problen and if a set of lower might help. I can drink a gallon of gatorade and still have this problem. I think its caused by all the heat off the engine but maybe it
just the way i ride. |
|
| |
|
Puddle Jumper
Posts: 23
knoxville, iowa | I have the highway pegs and they allow me to stretch my legs out. They also allow me to move around more and change my sitting position as needed. I typically do 500 to 1000 miles a day when traveling and find that being able to change sitting positions makes all the difference. I dont have any problems with my legs cramping since I installed the highway pegs. Also stretching when you stop for pit stops and refueling also helps. Good luck and keep the shiny side up. |
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | is there a doctor in the house? - you can't pin point your source of cramps without taking a lot of other things into consideration. On the 'Wing I was stiff and it would cause cramps because of the lack of comfortable positions while riding. I don't have that problem on the Vision. For me, a primary source of cramps is dehydration, so it is essential that I keep my self hydradrated. I will sip water at stops to avoid premature stopping for the rest rooms since I only like to stop for fuel on the long hauls, but will drink plenty of water at the end of the day. |
|
| |
|
Cruiser
Posts: 247
| eat a bannana, they help. seriously |
|
| |
|
Cruiser
Posts: 215
orrick, mo | I can't stand bannanas thats why I drink the gatorade.
Maybe I'll try to find some potasium pills. I may also
let my stealer talk me into some lowers. |
|
| |
|
Cruiser
Posts: 99
Cold lake Alberta | buzz64077 - 2010-04-16 10:41 AM
I can't stand bannanas thats why I drink the gatorade.
Maybe I'll try to find some potasium pills. I may also
let my stealer talk me into some lowers.
CYCLE OPS lowers, love mine over the dealers.!
Gatorade is good but really i think water and strectching the calves is best!
Good luck |
|
| |
|
Cruiser
Posts: 85
| +1 on the water over Gartoraid. I worked in a Copper Refinery for 35 years where the men (and I) had to work on top of acid tanks that had acid circulating through them at 150 degrees. During the summer it was sweltering hot up there and the sweat would literally pour off us. We did a lot of research with doctors and other proffesionals as to what is best to prevent heat stress and water is by far the best. Drinks like gatoraid are not absorbed by the gut as quickly as water, water is absorbed almost instanly. Another issue with power drinks is that they contain a lot of sodium, which while somewhat bennificial can also cause other medical problems. Best practice is to super hydrate before extended periods of heat exposure, a little extra salt on your food during that period (and I stress little), and lots of water during and after exposure. |
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 1436
| The key to distance riding is to keep hydrated. As a simple rule you should need to stop for a pee break every 100 miles. If you don't you aren't drinking enough fluids. Not enough hydration will not only give you cramps but can affect your judgement while riding. If you are planning some longish rides you could try purchasing a camelpack to sip as you ride. I use to use one when racing enduro's but know lots of guys who use them for touring.
Don't want to scare you but you should have a word with your doctor since it appears you are drinking enough fluids to fend off cramping. Cramps in the legs can be a number of other things like early sugar issues. Had an otherwise healthy friend wreck some years back, passed right out while riding. Turned out he was having diabetic issues he was unaware of. So if this is a regular occurance get checked. |
|
| |
|
Iron Butt
Posts: 763
Anderson, IN (48mi NE of downtown Indianapolis) | Buzz,
I get cramps in my lower calves at night too after a long ride. However, it's not after riding the Vision. I get the cramps after a long moutain bike ride. So, I would tend to think the engine heat has nothing to do with it. I can't say for sure though since I haven't found the root cause of mine. Please let me know if you find the cause and/or cure for yours.
As for hydration: Before a long hot event ( ride on the Vision, enduro race, mountain bike race, etc) I eat saturated minute rice. Rice holds a lot of water. I cook it with double the amount of water recommended on the box. I let sit for several hours to soak up as much water as possible. I then drain the excess water and add some sort of flavoring such as a can of chicken soup, mixed vegatables, whatever. The saturated rice keeps me hydrated without making me have to pee. Try it, it really works. |
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | buzz64077 - 2010-04-16 12:41 PM
I can't stand bannanas thats why I drink the gatorade.
Maybe I'll try to find some potasium pills. I may also
let my stealer talk me into some lowers.
you know better than anyone, but if it persists you might need the check-up...i've talked with a lot of people in the last few years who had more serious problems that started with leg cramps...
maybe the lowers will take care of it... |
|
| |
|
Cruiser
Posts: 215
orrick, mo | Ok I get the Lowers becuz I want them and get a cup holder to hold my water.
Drink enough so I have to pee every hour and my problem should be solved.
Boy isn't life sweet. |
|
| |
Leg cramps
