My 1st organized ride, or why it is important to drink

I did my first organized ride today. Did it with a group of friends, we did the 42 mile route, which was actually 48. It was lots of fun, lots of people. We rode fairly slow, so the riding was not that taxing. We regrouped when we got to the finish line and were all going to our cars to put up our bikes. As my friends were leaving, I got lightheaded and thought I should yell at them to stay with me. But for some reason I didn't I was straddling my bike kind of walking. I kept looking at the curb and really wanted to sit down on it, but could not figure out how to get off my bike. So using extremely bad judgment, I decided that I should just slowly ride back to my car. Next thing I knew, I was on a stretcher surrounded by paramedics who were pouring cold Gatorade on me. I passed out. And apparently I landed on my shoulder. After a trip to the ED, I officially have a separated AC (separated shoulder). It hurts. A lot.

Thinking back, I did not drink nearly enough. I normally keep track of what I drink, but I was mostly grabbing stuff at the rest stops, and 3 small cups are not enough in 98 degree weather.

I had a great time up until the end :(:(

Omigod. That's absolutely terrible. How long will it take for you to heal? Ugh, I'm sorry that this happened to you.

Good thing you were not way out in the middle of nowhere when that happened, Keeper. I am glad you are ok (almost ok). My first long ride last summer (2006), I ended up passing out while taking a shower, and I know it was the direct result of not drinking enough or eating enough. I hate carrying my camelback, but I am happy I have it because it is so easy to take a drink and I drink from it instinctively. I am glad you still think it was a fun ride (until the end :cool: ).

Luckily (??) I was right in front of EMS when I passed out. I have ridden longer distances, and am really careful about drinking, and I just did not close enough attention.

I am grounded until it doesn't hurt (at least a week or so, not to bad).

Glad you are relatively OK. Had to chuckle about the Gatorade. Electrolytes by osmosis.

Keeper - Sounds like you were very lucky! I'm glad you are okay.

I almost had a similar incident last weekend, though luckily I didn't pass out. I'm "training" for a century (very informal training) so Mr. Sheesh and I went out for a 62 mile ride. About 40 miles into the ride, I started to feel light-headed and could feel the black out coming on. I stopped and sat down on the curb. Mr. Sheesh was so concerned that he was ready to go home by himself, get the car, and come back to get me. I'm too obstinate for that, so I spent quite a bit of time drinking an entire bottle of gatorade and eating two GUs and a Clif Bar. I ultimately made it home, but it was a scary reminder that I do need to eat and drink more on those longer rides. The century is next weekend, and I'm already mapping out my eating and drinking routine. Hopefully I'll remember to stick with it, rather than get too caught up in the social atmosphere of the ride.

This thread is a good reminder to all of us to do whatever it takes to stay hydrated. Sounds scary what happened to you, but I'm so glad there were people right there to help.

It's also a good reminder to listen when our intuition is telling us something. Bet you are annoyed with yourself for not calling out for help as soon as you felt "off".

Hope the shoulder heals up quick!!! :)