With Haute Route Pyrenees only a day away I find myself going through my packing list of essential items. I’m now onto my toiletry kit and have a box of Ibuprofen and Doliprane (Paracetamol) ready to get chucked in. Why? Well, other than hangovers, I never ever take these things, but lately I’ve learned that there is no small number of cyclists out there who regularly take ‘Vitamin I’ to relieve pain on the bike.
I haven’t looked too deeply into this, but I do have some legitimate pain (hamstring, hip flexors and sometimes that shin splint muscle) to relieve during Haute Route and I’m considering taking something for it.
So, those boxes are going in the kit no matter what, but I’d be interested to know if any of you have experience with this sort of thing.
The Vicious Cycle 
Good luck Gerry, have a good ride. Unless you’ve already had experience with taking the meds for the pain while riding you’d be better off trying to do without. (I recently had an allergic, hives, reaction to Ibuprofen and/or antibiotic for infected tooth). Enjoy the Pyrénées. I’m looking forward to seeing your results after your ‘limited training, gear selection, beer swilling less than ideal preparation’. Have fun.
Thanks, Luc. I’ll do the first day ‘clean’ and see how it goes. I remember after the first stage in 2013 I was ready to try any drugs that would take away the pain! Do you remember the cramps of that day?
I had no cramps just major dehydration and no energy. Got off bike 10 km before finish on last climb, rehydrated, ate and watched as probably 100+ bikes passed me. (I think that number is getting bigger – it’ll be 400+ soon). I took my rightful place at the back of the pack. 🥴. Enjoy.
I’ve made Vitamin “I” a regular part of race day pain management. I started this practice back in the 80’s when I was a competitive triathlete and was introduced to this by the elite triathletes at that time. I would suggest not taking them before or during the race if you’ve never tried them in training, as them may upset your stomach, and only use them after each day to reduce inflammation due to the stress that Haute Route places on the body. Good luck with the race!
I never actually thought of doing it after the stages. I might try that if necessary, thanks!
Ibuprofen WORKS. That’s all I can say. If you’re in a lot of pain, though, go with 1 tylenol and 1 ibuprofen. Doctors are using that in place of the hard drugs now. I tried it once and it’s quite awesome.
I read a while back that ibuprofen after a ride has similar benefits to an ice bath. Then I read that there are some quite problematic side effects of ibuprofen use so it’s best not to do it regularly or often. Saying that, useful to have in your arsenal if the going gets tough.
Emma, I took it probably half the days I was in the Pyrenees last week and I’m not sure it worked or not. I didn’t have any side effects, either, so as you said, it’s a good thing to carry!
I tried Vitamin I at Haute Route last week and I think it works. Hard to say, really, because when I forgot to take it I also had less pain. anyway, next time I might try your magic potion!