Although trivial by comparison, my leg problems continue. After extensive Google searching and article reading I've concluded that the problem is cramping of the quadriceps. It appears to be a fairly common problem among cyclists who greatly increase their mileage in a short period of time - which I have clearly done. Today my legs felt great at the start, but by mile 50 I decided to get off the bike due to cramping. I am trying all of the various remedies suggested in the literature - lower gears/higher cadence; magnesium and calcium supplements; stretching; massage; and rest. I will not ride tomorrow which combined with our rest day in Branson will give me two full days out of the saddle.
So that this is not an entirely somber posting, I have included a picture of the reservation dog which was rescued by the Trek Travel staff while we pedaled through Northern Arizona. He is a very sweet dog, with a broken hip, who has become the mascot for the trip, travels in the van, and is smuggled into the hotels at night in a cooler - he has never barked so there is little chance of detection. Two of the staff (they are being married next month) have decided to adopt him and have his hip fixed. He is one lucky dog!
And thank God we are finally out of Oklahoma! It has been a grueling experience which, as you can tell from my blog, has taken a major toll on my quads and ended my goal of pedaling every mile across the country - I did make it to I-35. Hopefully my quads will recover over the next several days so that I'll be ready to enjoy pedaling through the beautiful Southeast.
Let's all hope and pray that we hear good news about Brett tomorrow.
Steve
That is terrible news to hear about the injured rider. Sorry about your cramping, it is something I have suffered with from time to time and recently on a double century. Most long distance cyclists have to deal with it, even when well trained. It can be due to dehydration and/or too few electrolytes, especially when it is hot weather. But it can also be due to muscle fatigue. If you slow the pace and increase the cadence you can sometimes work your way through it and keep riding. If it is from muscle fatigue then resting is needed. If you are cramping while off the bike after the ride, it is probably due to dehydration and insufficient salt. Many of us use a product from Hammer Nutrition called Endurolytes. Also what can work well is the antacid product Tums, which you can buy anywhere.
ReplyDeleteSteve, I have been reading your blog faithfully and was so sorry to hear about Brett's accident. I do hope and pray that he will recover! I admire your determination and strength as you make your way across the country! Your posts have been inspiring and very informative. Thanks for the updates and may your overworked muscles continue to heal and may you have a safe journey the rest of the way!
ReplyDeleteAnne