[look 171]

I think its just lack of riding or lack of miles. When I stop racing, I slowly tappered off the Saturday moning animal rides. Then my buddy started riding with a few guys from his work so I joint in the fun every couple of weeks on their 50 mile rides. They would do 50 or so miles a week compared to my 300-400+ hard miles just a few months ago. They were really scientific and read lots about performance. I grew up drinking water or Cool-aide during rides. They would suck in Cyctomax or Psycomax by the gallons. Then the partical board also know as power bar, and put some gel energy crap down. By about 40+ miles at a steady 18-20 miles they would cramp, some sooner then later. They would continue to drink like there's no tomorrow on the bike. Claiming dehydration causes cramps (They are right about that and I agree 100%). I didn't want to open my big mouth and say the obvious. They just need more miles and spin a little bit. I was riding a 42 X 16 or 15 gear all day. They were all in their big ring,s nose to the stem. Can't Drive 55, I think it is a combination of things mention above, more miles and try not to skip week(s) without riding. Of course, you need to suck some water down to keep the cramps away. I wish I can do that now, but can't do that "no more".

Jeff