Leg cramps-normal?

[KnottedYet]

If you are losing electrolytes and such while riding and not replacing them then, you could get your body on the teetery-edge of being unhappy. Which could certainly predispose you toward cramps, etc. when another provocation gets added in. (the straw that breaks the camel's back, as it were.)

Essentially, biking without replenishment may be using up your reserves, then you get into a situation that normally wouldn't cause a problem (getting out of bed) but since there is no reserve to buffer you, you get a cramp.

Even if you don't feel your mileage requires drinking or eating while you're on the bike, try it for a week and see if it helps.

PS. I use Clif Electrolyte and Clif Bloks. Sometimes I feel like a dork, drinking a big ol' bottle of Electrolyte lemonade during/after my piddly little 4 mile commute, but it makes a huge difference how my body copes and how I feel through out the day.