Thirsty on long rides

[Burtha]

Every now and then I get the dry horrors, and got them on the ride home the other day after a ride out with some of the girls. As we were on the home stretch I didn't want to stop and started contemplating how people contended with getting the thirsties while riding ...?

Especially on a good stretch when you don't want to have to keep stopping and taking off your helmet (although mine's a flip) etc.

I had thought of strapping a couple of cans to each side of the helmet, but I like my helmet and think it would suit beer more, and I do have a backpac bladder but wonder if the hose would get stuck up my nose or something!

Thoughts?

[MsKABC]

I know someone who rides with a camel back, finds it quite good.

[saltydog]

I know someone who rides with a camel back, finds it quite good.

If i'm off for a day trip i'll fill it up with ice cubes and filtered water.....lasts all day and the nossle will fit up under my shoei while riding. A good piece of kit for the summer.

[Finn]

Actually, it shouldn't be a problem if you're hydrated before the trip.

[Headbanger]

How many hours are you talking about?

I usually have somewhere in mind to stop for a sip, and when I get there I ride right past it.My bike needs more fuel stops then I do.

[sunhuntin]

ive got a camel back, but im yet to try it. maybe try taking a bottle of water, and then just flipping the lid up?

an ex of mine had a cup holder on his bike... used to take coffee everytime we went on the road.

[Burtha]

Unfortunately its not a dehydration problem, its what happens with some meds I'm taking.

Tried the bottle thing - bit hard to place the bottle, esp without it getting warm and found most of the H2O went in the helmet than my mouth!

I have a camel back / bladder backpac - not sure of the mechanics of how it would work with the helmet & hose ...

[icekiwi]

I find stopping at most pubs I ride past does the trick...
Does cause a headache after a long ride for some reason..
If that doesnt work a Camelback is brilliant..

[Taz]

Unfortunately its not a dehydration problem, its what happens with some meds I'm taking.

Tried the bottle thing - bit hard to place the bottle, esp without it getting warm and found most of the H2O went in the helmet than my mouth!

I have a camel back / bladder backpac - not sure of the mechanics of how it would work with the helmet & hose ...

Doesn't have to be plumbed into your helmet as you ride. It's not like you're racing. Any way just have it where you can reach it. Flip your helmet up and take a sip/swig whatever. Helmet down and off you go again. Easy.

[Rosie]

I've got a hydration system with a right-angled sucky-thing (mouthpiece) and I can use it ok with my helmet (and gloves) on. I keep the end of the hose velcroed to the chest strap of the backpack, so I have to grab it and poke it into my helmet to operate it.
I've only tried using mine when I'm stopped, but I've seen other people use theirs while riding, so it must be possible.

[XP@]

My jacket came with a pocket in the back for a bladder and tube holders so you can route the tube over your shoulder.

I've never used mine though, never seen the point. I stop when my bike is thirsty and if I am thirsty I drink too :drinknsin

[sunhuntin]

id thread the hose through the chin strap, leaving enough that you could reach the end without needing your hand, but short enough that you can "spit" it out if you wanted to. or, you could try freezing the bottle?

while we are on the note, is there anywhere you can buy new bladders and hoses? the reason i havent used mine is cos its second hand, and i really feel i have to draw the line there, lol. it has been cleaned, but still.

[Big Dave]

If that doesnt work a Camelback is brilliant..

I imagine keeping it cool is no problem for yourself?

[ckai]

Doesn't have to be plumbed into your helmet as you ride. It's not like you're racing. Any way just have it where you can reach it. Flip your helmet up and take a sip/swig whatever. Helmet down and off you go again. Easy.

Agree, just have the tube velcroed to the shoulder strap and grab it when you want. I must have been like everyone else in that I had a pack, wanted to try it, but never did. Went for a test ride :) and it was great.

I stuff the tube up under the helmet when I want a drink and only do it while in a 50 kph zone. Tried at 100 and it was a little awkward. If you're stuffing it up the bottom of the helmet, a 90 degree mouth piece would be good (I only have a straight one and it's a slight bitch). Since you have a fliptop you'll be sweet.

With a pack on, I generally go through about 2L of water on a 3+ hour ride.


while we are on the note, is there anywhere you can buy new bladders and hoses? the reason i havent used mine is cos its second hand, and i really feel i have to draw the line there, lol. it has been cleaned, but still.

I brought a bigger hydrapak bladder (3L) from Burkes Cycles online. It didn't help that I popped the last one mountain biking (for the record, they take REALLY hard hits and REALLY absurb the impact :)). I use it in my small pack and a larger one I use for the snow. I found they were the cheapest for the hydrapak bladders. I have a camelpak mouth piece though because I find them better.

You can get the bladders and hoses from any bike shop. Personal preference to what brand you go with. I like the open top of the hydrapak bladders so I can turn it inside out to dry and clean. Some people hate them and think they leak. Be warned though, both camel and hydra bladders are pricey (worth it in my opinion). No name ones are cheaper (get them from T7) but you'll find they go mouldy quicker as the plastic is crap. Some might be fine though.

Moral of the story...recommend using a hydration pack while riding :D

[sunhuntin]

cheers, ckai. i think an inside-outable one would be a good choice. will keep an eye out for a new one.

[Motu]

I've been using a Camelback for several years,I use it every ride,it's part of my ATGATT.

[CookMySock]

I carry a 330ml drink bottle in my jacket pocket. I quick slurp at stops does it. If I am on a trip I will refill the little bottle from a larger one in my pack, or stop somewhere and have a guzzle, refuel, and a pee, and refill the small bottle, and then back to it.

If I dont drink plenty on a trip I get light-headed and tired. Bad!

Steve

[rocketman1]

Getting thirsty is a dangerous occurrence on a motor bike.
When you are dehydrated you loose concentration, and energy, 2 bad things
I suggest you drink up just before the ride, stop and drink every hour.
If you are at a track day, in the hot sun you dehydrate something cronic, I say drink like a fish,
If your not pissing theres something wrong.

[zzzbang]

Getting thirsty is a dangerous occurrence on a motor bike.
When you are dehydrated you loose concentration, and energy, 2 bad things
I suggest you drink up just before the ride, stop and drink every hour.
If you are at a track day, in the hot sun you dehydrate something cronic, I say drink like a fish,
If your not pissing theres something wrong.

Lol not to be poking fun at you or anything.. but you sound like that guy in the movie.. Waterboy.:drinkup:

Thirst taken to the extreme! hmm..

Edit: If your touring the outback, then yes by all means make sure you drink every hour because you will dehydrate... but new zealand.. even on hot days (unless your wearing your sleeping bag under your riding gear) its just not that bad.

[BiK3RChiK]

Most people are dehydrated all the time. They just don't realise it..

I try to drink about 2 litres every day and sometimes as much as 3 litres. Even when I'm riding, I stop regularly enough to re-hydrate both the bike and the body.

A warning though, if you find you are always thirsty (excepting some medications) you may need to get a checkup for diabetes.

[peasea]

Every now and then I get the dry horrors, and got them on the ride home the other day after a ride out with some of the girls. As we were on the home stretch I didn't want to stop and started contemplating how people contended with getting the thirsties while riding ...?

Especially on a good stretch when you don't want to have to keep stopping and taking off your helmet (although mine's a flip) etc.

I had thought of strapping a couple of cans to each side of the helmet, but I like my helmet and think it would suit beer more, and I do have a backpac bladder but wonder if the hose would get stuck up my nose or something!

Thoughts?

I drink ginger beer, Bundy, very refreshing and it settles the tum if you've had a fast-food lunch.

Also, opening your mouth when it's raining helps, as does closing it when riding behind stock trucks. Depending on how thirsty you are.

[TLDV8]

Edit: If your touring the outback, then yes by all means make sure you drink every hour because you will dehydrate... but new zealand.. even on hot days (unless your wearing your sleeping bag under your riding gear) its just not that bad.

Easy to tell,if you stop on a ride to take a whizz and it is anything close to being a dark yellow you are already dehydrated.

I swap between a 3 litre Camelback Mule or the 2 litre bladder that comes stock in my Belstaff Adventure jacket.
When it is easy to drink while riding you will no matter where you live.

Only pain in hot climates is the feed hose gets hot,i have been meaning to fit a insulation cover over it.

FWIW Any caffeine drinks like Coke / V / Red Bull will dehydrate you faster.

[zzzbang]

When it is easy to drink while riding you will no matter where you live.


True yes.. but the dehydration wont affect your riding much.. if at all.From personal experience 3-4 hour rides without a drink in 26+ degrees just isnt bad at all. Have a stop after that and theres no problem.. people will differ though i guess. Going overboard like guy that i quoted before is just silly though.. brain dying because of dehydration.. cmon..

[Idubbs]

Try this....... might be able to find a long straw for you too...!:lol:

[CookMySock]

but the dehydration wont affect your riding much.. if at all.From personal experience 3-4 hour rides without a drink in 26+ degrees just isnt bad at all. Have a stop after that and theres no problem.. people will differ though i guess.I think you are mistaken. I know quite a few people who wander around all day in a daze, yawning their head off, and needing a snooze in the afternoon, and they only drink about a glass and a half of water every day. All they need is just one incomplete nights sleep and they are very dangerous people on a motorcycle.

Steve

[Mom]

Unfortunately its not a dehydration problem, its what happens with some meds I'm taking.


You could try chewing some aero type chewing gum at stops, it makes saliva when you chew you see :yes: I am not a big fan of chewing gum while riding, in fact I cant with my helmet, all I end up doing is biting my cheeks when I go over bumps.

But chewing gum really does produce saliva and will help your mouth feel wet. Do make sure you are well hydrated before you set out. I have a Pump of similar with me on rides and just take a slurp at stop points.

[Kinje]

True yes.. but the dehydration wont affect your riding much.. if at all.From personal experience 3-4 hour rides without a drink in 26+ degrees just isnt bad at all. Have a stop after that and theres no problem.. people will differ though i guess. Going overboard like guy that i quoted before is just silly though.. brain dying because of dehydration.. cmon..

Have a look at this thread (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=88576)from the start of this year

[mujambee]

I also use a camelback, keep the hose under the breast strip, and use my left hand to handle it on low speed straights.


while we are on the note, is there anywhere you can buy new bladders and hoses? the reason i havent used mine is cos its second hand, and i really feel i have to draw the line there, lol. it has been cleaned, but still.

Use bleach, nothing can survive that ;)



Only pain in hot climates is the feed hose gets hot,i have been meaning to fit a insulation cover over it.

When you're finished drinking just blow softly on the hose untill you feel the bubbles in your back. Don't overdo it, pressure will be accumulating back there.

[Burtha]

thanks guys and gals - good stuff.
wiv me big cheeks (think neck upwards) and helmet, gum chewing may be a problem for me also.
valcro and chin strap for camelpac nosel sounds like a goer ...

not sure about that sexy lookin bottle holder on the scooter though !

[zzzbang]

Have a look at this thread (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=88576)from the start of this year

As i said, people probably need different amounts of water.. but my personal experience is as i said above. if you need to drink then do so, but yea.. ive never found it neccesary to stop every hour (in 26 degree-ish weather).

[MarkH]

Use bleach, nothing can survive that ;)

And rinse thoroughly! :sick: