Sometime you need a tough ride to remind you how important off the bikenutrition and especially hydration are to your performance. I am usually a very good water drinker. I will drink 2 large bottles of sparkling water every day (at least 2 - 3 liters total). Well, Saturday after the TE Diablo ride (and granted Em and I only did 17 - 18 miles, but still) I drank a small glass of water at the Mexican restaurant - and then no water the rest of the day that I can recall. I had several glasses of wine at dinner.

The next day was a tough 110 miler on the second half of the Terrible Two course. I could tell my performance was suffering because of lack of proper hydration the day before. I was tired, drank quite a bit more than I might otherwise have to "catch up". I was also very hungry as I have not eaten as much as I usually do for breakfast.

It was just me taking things for granted and being lax. Fortunately, I was able to make it up on the road, but I know I would have been happier and performed better if Ihad been properly fed and hydrated before the ride.

Sometimes I need a kick in the pants to remember the basics. Good that this happened a week before my tough double century coming up. I have a whole week to flood my body with water and good food!