potty break?

[boy in a kilt]

It's not just women that have to pee lots on rides. I'm good for about 90 minutes before it's time to go.

A Physician's Assistant friend of mine said the two products of metabolizing carbohydrates are carbon dioxide and water. So if I have to pee lots, it means my water intake is enough or almost enough to keep up with the rate at which I lose water through sweat.

I'm wondering if there isn't another reason though. I came up from a hard ride the other night knowing I was dehydrated. Still had to pee after the ride.

[East Hill]

Some of my routes are planned with bathroom facilities built in!

Otherwise, learn to go quickly. It's a good skill to have.

Learn to use leaves, grass, whatever's at hand.

East Hill

[RoadRaven]

I usually don't need to, but if I have drunk loads and had a "gentle" ride and its over two hours... then a flax bush, a line of trees, behind grapes in a vinyard (often not fenced in the Bay).

Thats why I do not wear bibs on long rides... takes too long to enable any semblance of discretion or modesty...

[sandra]

I am not a good squatter, and that's all I have to say.

[SouthernBelle]

I almost never have to pee while riding, no matter how much I drink. I think something about my position stifles the urge. This is odd because normally I am a dues paying member of the Tiny Bladder Society.

Plus I am a sweaty girl.

[VeloVT]

Probably TMI time... But has anyone ever used one of these?

http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/st...berId=12500226

I've seriously considered getting one. They fold up/retract, and I think they fit in a pocket/seatbag. It definitely be handy for when there are no restrooms or portapotties available (I'm not coordinated enough to squat with bike shorts and bike shoes!) -- but also I think I'd use it in porta-potties sometimes. Often I find they're set on uneven ground, and when they tilt backwards (and it seems like all of the ones on my most common routes do!), standing in bike shoes, squatting so you don't touch the seat, and all the while keeping your chamois from touching anything, in a 3x3' space, requires some interesting contortions. Would be so much easier to stand like a guy...

But the weirdness factor of carrying it around has stopped me so far ...

[sandra]

I'm not familiar with that one, but I have a friend that is going to China at the end of next month and she just bought a whizzy. I haven't asked her if she has practiced with it yet. I'll let you know.

http://whizzy4you.com/

[7rider]

I go about 8 times before I leave the house, then I'm good for about 40 miles.
I'd found up in MA that fire or police stations were handy spots to stop. Or gas stations/grocery stores (empty out and fill up all in one convenient location!! )

[Jiffer]

Probably TMI time... But has anyone ever used one of these?

http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/st...berId=12500226

That's hilarious! I'm gettin' one and strapping it to the back of my bike! It's even PINK!

[csr1210]

Ummm - we have rattlesnakes I don't worry about them too much on the road because I can SEE them ahead of time, but I'm positive that the first time I go tramping through the weeds to find a pee spot, I'll disturb one --can you imagine having to go to the ER with that injury???

And please don't tell me how they are more scared of me etc. etc. etc. I'm not worried about a snake going, "hey look at that peeing person, I think I'll chase her down!" I'm really much more worried about stepping on (or too close to one) on my little trek.

But then again, you really don't hear stories about people getting snakebit while peeing, but then AGAIN, maybe they just ain't TELLING.

Sorry, I'm sick today and should not be allowed to post. I would LOVE to be able pee like a guy (or at least squat without making a huge mess!).
Christy

[lph]

"A Physician's Assistant friend of mine said the two products of metabolizing carbohydrates are carbon dioxide and water. So if I have to pee lots, it means my water intake is enough or almost enough to keep up with the rate at which I lose water through sweat. "

'd heard somewhat the same thing, that metabolizing carbohydrates demands a lot of water, so a hiking friend and I were discussing if trying to eat more protein and fat and less carbohydrate on a hike you might get away with drinking less. Especially winter ski trips, strangely enough considering there's "water" everywhere, it's hard to drink enough. It's cold, you want to keep moving, and you most certainly don't want to stop and pee more than necessary.

Anybody have any input on this - is it possible to cut down on carbohydrate and still get "fueled" or do you just have to burn carbs to get energy fast?

Back on topic - I pee anywhere, and FAST. Bike shorts are good for this Everybody pees, so unless I'm mooning the entire highway I don't get too embarrassed about it. If there's a bit of undergrowth nobody can see anything anyway, just that you're squatting. Guys don't seem to be embarrassed about standing in that obvious "I'm peeing-position" so I try not to be either.

[boy in a kilt]

"A Physician's Assistant friend of mine said the two products of metabolizing carbohydrates are carbon dioxide and water. So if I have to pee lots, it means my water intake is enough or almost enough to keep up with the rate at which I lose water through sweat. "

'd heard somewhat the same thing, that metabolizing carbohydrates demands a lot of water, so a hiking friend and I were discussing if trying to eat more protein and fat and less carbohydrate on a hike you might get away with drinking less. Especially winter ski trips, strangely enough considering there's "water" everywhere, it's hard to drink enough. It's cold, you want to keep moving, and you most certainly don't want to stop and pee more than necessary.

Anybody have any input on this - is it possible to cut down on carbohydrate and still get "fueled" or do you just have to burn carbs to get energy fast?

Back on topic - I pee anywhere, and FAST. Bike shorts are good for this Everybody pees, so unless I'm mooning the entire highway I don't get too embarrassed about it. If there's a bit of undergrowth nobody can see anything anyway, just that you're squatting. Guys don't seem to be embarrassed about standing in that obvious "I'm peeing-position" so I try not to be either.

The one thing I'm not sure about though is why the process needs so much water. One of the things they always teach in survival classes is that carbohydrates in general and sugary things specifically make you thirsty so you should avoid them if you don't have a steady water supply.