Quote Originally Posted by Aquila View Post
I donate regularly, and while I avoid riding that day, I ride the next and am fine. I think how you feel afterwards is probably mostly individual. But, that said, I always feel better if I drink lots of water before and after donating, and also take an extra multi-vitamin (with iron) the day before.

That and I treat myself to a volunteer cookie at the donation center. /nod It's all about the cookie!

Congrats on donating. I'm sure we all know someone who's needed blood or blood products, and it's important that we help if we can.

I'm a regular blood donor too and haven't experienced feeling weak or otherwise after, but I am careful to hang out, drink juice, eat some pretzels (and cookies too, oftentimes!) and then take it easy the rest of the day.
BabyBlueNTulsa, you mentioned watching the tour and reading, but did you replenish fluids sufficiently? I know that it might even be better to over-hydrate a bit right the day of and day after donating...
At least this way, you are OK, but you've learned from the experience, so all will be much improved next time, right?