dehydration

[ehirsch83]

I've been mixing Emergen-C and Accelerade in my water bottle lately. Noticing that I feel much better post-ride. In Tucson it's pretty hot & humid - OK - 40% humidity is humid for us!

You said you ride 2-3 hours in the afternoon? What is the heat like?

Hey Dogmama!(love the name)
I put Emergen-c in one of my bottles on some rides, I also drink it daily! great product.
I guess my afternoon rides are really early evening rides. I try not to go out before 5, but sometimes I have to go around 4. Around 6:30 it starts to cool off, by 7:30 I am off the bike because the sun is setting(to many crazy drivers down here to even consider riding after dusk).

The heat here in South Florida right now is in the high 90s, with the heat index it has been feeling around 105(that is according to the weather channel).

At least my work schedule has changed now that school has started, so I know have 4 mornings that I can get on the bike, and it is looking like I might soon be able to get on every morning!

I just got back from a 45 miler, and it was sooo much cooler early on(started at 6). I actually feel energized now, instead of feeling like I need a nap.

:-)

[OakLeaf]

Sugar actually helps the stomach empty faster, which is important for maintaining hydration on those hot days when you're sweating 2-3 liters an hour. If you don't want the HFCS (and I'm with you on that one - not to mention the artificial colors and flavors, yecch) and don't want to have to clean fruit juice out of your bottles, you can mix your own hydration solution.

1 Cup Sugar
4 Tsp Salt
2 Tsp Potassium Chloride (Salt Substitute)
2 Tsp Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda)

Shake or stir it vigorously to mix and keep it in an airtight jar, preferably glass. Use 3 Tbsp per liter of water. You can add essential oils for flavoring if you want.