Posts: 1,768
5/12/08 3:44 P

I carry my cell phone but I will also add a few dollars just in case .... but you all have convinced me to always carry water now:-)

Posts: 8,845
5/12/08 3:13 P

I always carry water with me, even on 10-15 mile rides. On longer rides (60+) I bring something else too, either Gatorade or a snack.

BTW, I went out once and forgot my water, too. And had no money. I dug through my seat bag and found about 50 cents. So I stopped in a local store, and told the cashier what me story was. I explained that the least expensive water water$1.25, and all I had was $.50, but I promised I'd come back after my ride with the rest of the money. He looked at me strangely, but said ok, and I didn't need to worry about coming back. I thanked him profusely, completed my ride, and then returned with the money. He didn't want to take it, said it wasn't necessary. I told him to keep it for the next desperate person who came by.

So now, even if it is short ride, I carry water. I want it to be a habit, so I never leave without it. I also always have my cell phone.

EDITED TO ADD: I also now keep a couple of dollars in my seat bag, just in case!

Edited by: DRC2205 at: 5/12/2008 (15:21)

Posts: 1,768
5/12/08 3:07 P

Kjeanne

Thanks for the advice of an additional drink to use. I guess since the weather has been a bit nippy to cool I have not had the urge to drink or need to because of hydrating before the ride. I also sweat a lot and probably should replenish by the time I feel I need to drink in the future it may be too late and I could be suffering from the dehydration process.

Jim

SparkPoints: (29,196)
Fitness Minutes: (20,797)
Posts: 1,843
5/12/08 1:36 P

JHOLLNAGEL
Jules brought up some good reasons for bring water every time you ride. I also bring 2 water bottles for every ride: one has Perpetuem the other has water. Perpetuem is a protein/carb drink form Hammer products. I like their products because they work and are not too sweet. It comes in powder form so I mix the concentration based on the planed ride length. I scoop for a short ride, tow or more scoops for longer rides.

I sip this during the ride along with some water. I usually try to take a sip every 10 minutes during my rides. I have seen what dehydration does to a cyclist and don’t want to go there. I probably drink more often than most cyclists since, not only do I sweat, but I have hot flashes and I am on HBP medication that is a diuretic. So I know I lose a lot of water.

The bottle with water is also used to cool me off on hot days. I drench my body with water and keep it wet during the ride. It’s a great way to keep you from overheating. I also look out for sprinklers (I run through them) or anyone watering their lawn (I ask for a soaking).

http://www.hammernutrition.com
www.hammernutrition.com

current weight: 192.0

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Posts: 1,768
5/12/08 12:59 P

Jules

Point taken ..... nothing like driving your point home with me though:-) I have not experienced a fall on the bike yet but I now understand the need to bring it with just in case.

Jim

Posts: 9,609
5/12/08 12:45 P

I got caught without sufficient water, one day.

I live in TX. I also didn't have any money. I should have called a friend to come pick me up, but I didn't think of using my cell phone.

I always take water with me. You never know when you are going to get a flat and be out longer than you expect. You never know when you'll go down and need some water to wash out the wound. You never know when your body doesn't handle the heat well (stress, fatigue, sickness, whatever) and you need to cool yourself off by wetting down with your water bottle.

My cell phone and water are non-negotiable on any ride or run or walk. The risk is too great for serious trouble without those.

Have fun riding!!!

Pounds lost: 6.0

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Posts: 470
5/12/08 12:45 P

I tried the propel mix 2 weeks ago and really liked the taste.
Playingoutdoors, sounds like it helps you with fatigued legs. I'll buy some and try it this weekend.

Posts: 470
5/12/08 12:39 P

I'm a creature of habit. I take water with me on every ride beyond the neighborhood; even on Beginner rides less than 20 miles.

In the summertime, I freeze my polar bottles overnight and will add GU2O or Cytomax to 1 bottle. Also I carry an electrolyte replacement powder or tablet for cramps or tired legs or refilling the bottle.

On long hot unsupported rides, I'll use a Camelbak filled with an electrolyte replacement drink and lots of ice. It's easier to sip from the Camelbak when we're riding fast and hard.

Posts: 3,889
5/12/08 12:25 P

I take water with me, pretty much all the time. For easy spins around 45-60 mins I'll take two bottles of water. For harder stuff it'll be 1 water, 1 sports drink.

I have seatpost mounted system that takes 2 additional bottles so for anything around 1:30+ hours those get filled as well (water or sports drink depending on length of ride). I look a bit silly rolling out with 4 bottles when most people take one or two, but I'd rather take more than less and most times everything gets drunk. Besides, it's nice to feel relatively fresh and lively at the end of the ride when everyone else is starting to bonk. And I find that effective nutrition, especially on the bike, helps curb overeating after a long ride...

I saw your other post regarding the Camelbak - I had one last year for the long rides and it worked well too.

current weight: 190.0

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Posts: 1,768
5/12/08 8:43 A

Thanks for the posts ..... the weather has been cooler here and it feels that I do not need additional water on the 14 miler route; however, I feel I should on the 20 miler or more routes. I guess I can bring it and if the need arises I would have it. I may feel differently when the warmer weather arrives.

SparkPoints: (39,046)
Fitness Minutes: (24,390)
Posts: 1,560
5/12/08 8:07 A

I always take water, usually 2 bottles on my cages, and if I am on a longer unsupported ride my camelback. I am not a fan of the artifical taste of water add-ins, but have some if I need it on longer rides, hikes or other outdoor activites. I usually bring a snack of some kind although I rarely eat it.

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90.5

SparkPoints: (5,233)
Fitness Minutes: (6,688)
Posts: 59
5/12/08 7:33 A

I always have water, on 30 minutes or less normally just
a single bottle and anything longer I use my Camelbak.

I live in Florida, because of the heat I have to stay on top of my hydration.

Never tried any of the special drinks or add ins yet, I haven't had a ride over 90 minutes yet so don't think they
would help me much on the ride. I thought I read somewhere
on spark that you don't need any add ins unless you body
is going to use between 1500 & 2000 calories during an exercise session.



Edited by: PKFARE at: 5/12/2008 (07:33)

Posts: 550
5/12/08 7:24 A

i always bring water on any ride especially in warmer weather. if its going to be an easy spin i dont put anything in my water, but if its going to be a harder effort i will put sometype of supplement in my bottle and or bring a gel. but i am always watching my calories...

current weight: 142.0

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132

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Posts: 518
5/12/08 1:10 A

I personally bring water on any ride. I tend to breath through my mouth instead of nostrils when I ride, so my mouth gets dry quickly.

I usually drink water straight, but if I'm on a long ride and I can feel my muscles getting fatigued, I carry Propel powder mix that you add to water. www.propelwater.com/pdf/propel_powder_pack
ets_fact_sheet.pdf



**Edited info: Here's an article from SP about water consumption: www.sparkpeople.com/resource/fitness_artic
les.asp?id=101

Edited by: PLAYINGOUTDOORS at: 5/12/2008 (01:13)

Posts: 1,768
5/11/08 11:27 P

How many of you cyclist bring water with you on a 15 mile ride?

How many on a 20? 30?

At what point do you go to something other than water on your ride?

I may be doing a "newbie" mistake because I do not take water with me on my 14.2 mile route .... should I? I usually finish the ride in less than 53 mins. My fastest is 47 mins. Do I need water during this type of ride? Or if I hydrate well before and after the ride is this enough??

Jim