Cramping/Spasming Calves at High Cadence

[like2bike]

When I spin at high cadences my calves start to cramp and spasm. I've tried everything (that I can think of) to try and alleviate this. Eating a banana before a ride, drinking tons of water, stretching, and nothing seems to work. It never fails. Everytime we go into a high cadence, I start cramping (sometimes both cramp & spasm in stereo). This happens in spinning class as well as on my road bike. It's more of an annoyance than anything. Does anyone know if any additional measures I can take to get this to stop? Cheese? Spinnerpom? AC? Anyone else?

thanks,
Lori

[Bike4ale]

Are you properly positioned on the bike? Is there a straight line from your knee cap to the center of the pedal? How about your cleats? Are they directly underneath the ball of your foot? You would be amazed at what just a fraction of an inch can do with cleat positioning.

[SPARKY]

Like2Bike;

I was taught that the straight line was from the front edge of your knee (when your foot is at the mid point between top of pedal stroke and bottom of pedal stroke) to the BALL of your foot. Is that the same as the "middle" of your foot?? Or are we splitting hairs here?

SPARKY

[Bike4ale]

I never refer to the "middle" of the foot with positioning. I did say a straight line to the center of the PEDAL. I tell my riders to place one foot forward at the 3:00 position, then I imagine a plumb line dropped from the front of the knee to the center of the pedal. And, essentially, the ball of your foot should be over the center of the pedal too, so we're both right. If you ever go to a bike shop to get fitted for a bike, they actually do this. It's called a "Fit Kit".

[jala3]

Sparky and bike4ale-you are both correct but saying the same thing two different ways...the ball of you foot should be on the center of the pedal.
Like2bike, a member who was taking my classes had a similar situation. Her calves would "tighten up" during climbs as well as in step and boot-camp class. She finally went to the doctor and was told she had a tear in both calves, now doing PT and limited classes. The doctor attributed the tear to years of running. It's been about 3mos and she is now getting back into her old schedule with her PT's ok, so far so good.
Good luck to you, I hope someone will give you some answers!

[like2bike]

Thanks so much for your replies. I clip into my pedals, both in spinning class and on my road bike. I feel pretty confident that I'm fitted properly with regard to my cleat and foot placement. Could it be that I need to raise my seat a few hairs?

[Bike4ale]

It can't hurt to try. Although for me, my knees ache if the seat is too low.