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

[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

[sunhuntin]

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