Bike Stupid? Bike Legs?

If I finish a long or intense ride I get pretty stupid for 20 to 30 minutes afterwards: forgetful, slow thinking and airheaded. I assume that this is because it takes awhile for my body to redirtect my blood flow to where it is needed, from my legs back to my brain.

Does anyone else get this malady?

It also takes about the same time to transfer my bike legs back to my land legs. I often stumble and occaisionally lose my balance shortly after a long or intense ride.

Does anyone else get this, also?

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Permalink Reply by Liz on June 12, 2012 at 8:55am

Make sure you eat a meal with some fiber/protein before your ride. 600 calories worth of fig newtons vs 600 calories of beans and eggs makes a big difference since it takes your body longer to digest. If that doesn't help you may want to consider taking an iron supplement.

Did you tell your Dr about the condition after riding? A Dr can only check for things he/she knows are wrong with you. They may not have run a test or blood work specific to possible causes if you didn't mention it was a problem. I'm simply concerned because lack of coordination can mean many many more things than low blood sugar or anemia.

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Permalink Reply by Gene Tenner on June 12, 2012 at 12:08pm

Thanks for your concern, Liz. I had a complete (bloodwork) physical 9 months ago, including a stress test - walk on a treadmill while they monitored my heart rate. I do not get this on commutes, but on longer weekend rides when I may spend 2, 3 or 4 hours riding around. The leg thing is like getting off a boat and still walking like a sailor - I ride a recumbent which may exacerbate this. The bike brain is also temporary after a weekend ride, like walking into a room and forgetting what you are there for, or opening up google and forgetting what you were going to google.

You are absolutely right about the pre-ride meal.

Liz said:

Make sure you eat a meal with some fiber/protein before your ride. 600 calories worth of fig newtons vs 600 calories of beans and eggs makes a big difference since it takes your body longer to digest. If that doesn't help you may want to consider taking an iron supplement.

Did you tell your Dr about the condition after riding? A Dr can only check for things he/she knows are wrong with you. They may not have run a test or blood work specific to possible causes if you didn't mention it was a problem. I'm simply concerned because lack of coordination can mean many many more things than low blood sugar or anemia.

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Permalink Reply by Nançois 8.5 on June 12, 2012 at 12:44pm

In a pinch, I swear by Snickers as my #1 low blood sugar remedy. Plenty of simple carbs to quickly elevate your blood sugar, with ample protein and fat to sustain it. Plus, they are readily-available almost anywhere.