What an interesting thread!

Well, I've read somewhere in a bike magazine that you know you are properly hydrated if you pee approx once per hour, and once during the night. But that, I'm sure, was not while riding.

I used to never stop to pee on a mountain bike ride (lots of woods to hide in there), but was always sore and needed to very badly by the end. The urge is not the same for me on the bike, so I didn't recognize it when I was newbie. Now that I know better, long mtn bike rides are better.

Camelbak on the mountain bike every time. I find it uncomfortable on the road bike, though. And I am also a spaz who has much trouble getting the water bottle out while pedaling, or even while coasting. Practice has made this easier and will make it easier yet. I haven't done really long road rides yet, so I don't know quite how I'll be able to pack enough water!

And, BikerHen, according to things I've read and my own experience, being very well hydrated before epic exertion is actually more important than hydrating during it. You're doing exactly the right thing!

Hugs and butterflies,
~T~