When I talk about a "cramp," I'm referring to a muscle or muscle group suddenly contracting involuntarily and not releasing. They're most common in the legs, but can occur elsewhere, too--arms, shoulders, neck, feet, hands, you name it. I've had them immediately after a long hike while driving my car home, almost causing a crash because I couldn't operate brakes or clutch, as well as while asleep and, sadly, during sex (again following a long hike or similar exertion).

Staying hydrated certainly helps prevent cramps. Deliberately addressing electrolyte imbalances also helps, whether by eating bananas for their potassium or by drinking foul-tasting electrolyte-replacement solutions. Stretching before, during and after intensive exercise helps a lot. Ingesting enough salt definitely helps if you're prone to copious sweating. And for me, the best fix for acute cramps is some form of vinegar--pickle juice or mustard are the most palatable, a couple of solid swallows of the former or several large spoonfuls of the latter.

When I've had the kind of "cramp" resulting from nerve impingements in my spine, it's felt completely different, resolved far more slowly, and hasn't responded to any of the above treatments. I've never experienced this as a result of riding a motorbike, but the phenomenon has cost me many weeks of immobility, lots of money and pain, and a long career involving physical labor.

"Cramps" differ greatly in different people, and that what works for prevention or treatment also differs. That makes all categorical statements highly suspect. If I say "This is what causes cramps," or "Just do the following and your cramps will go away," you should probably take whatever follows with a large grain of salt. This can be abbreviated as YMMV.

Hope that's helpful.

Mark