Sports Drinks alternative?

[bikerHen]

Thanks for your input! There is so much to learn! Heat was NOT an issue on this ride. The first half was in a cold rain, the second half was drying and thawing out in the weak but warm sunshine. I'm sure it was the Gatorade. This was the first time I've really drank the stuff. I tried to go 50/50 with water but it was still to much. I ate some, mostly protien bars, but we were so long on the ride I do think my empty stomach was part of the problem too. SadieKate, where do I find the E-caps? They sound like they are worth a try.

[CorsairMac]

Electro-Mix by Alacercorp, the same people that make Emer-Gen-C. It has nothing in it but what you need. It can be added to anything and I do mean just about Anything coz it's a very light lemon-lime flavour. It does not have sodium in it tho so on very hot days or very long rides you might need to add a dash of salt.

oops - my bad: shes' right it's Electro-Lyte (it's a mental thing.....that name just never sounds right to me! :-D)

[MomOnBike]

I'll add my vote for Electro-Mix/-Lite/Whatever it's called. Small packets, easy and light to carry, not much taste, can be mixed with every liquid I've tried it with so far. Pretty close to perfect. So far the best combo is one packet in a really big glass of iced tea and, um, an amount of dumb old table sugar.

One recovery beverage that hasn't been mentioned here that I really like is a smallish glass of diluted orange juice mixed with a heaping teaspoon of brewer's yeast. (OK, I'm just an old hippy. It's cool.) I've use that for years to put some bounce back in my step. It's kind of a mess, though, so I just drink it at home.

[SimpleCycle]

I think E-caps is the name of all their supplement products. I know people who use the Endurolytes capsules for electrolyte replacement. They also sell it in powder form you can mix into your drink. You can order it directly from their website:

http://www.e-caps.com/

And click on "Buy Hammer Now"

Some bike stores carry their products too, I think. I haven't found the Endurolytes anywhere though.

[bikerINco]

try Elete. You add it to water, and it still takes like water. comes in a bottle and only a few drops are necessary. it totally helps with cramping and doesn't contain any sugar.

[DallasChic]

I have been drinking unflavored Pedialyte..... Children's hydration electrolyte drink.
It is expensive but you can also purchase the generic brand.
I learned of this from an interview I saw on TV with a Dallas Stars Hockey player.
This is what the players drink during the games to stay hydrated.
There is no flavor and it sits well on the stomach!
Check it out!!!

http://www.pedialyte.com/

[Grog]

I love the taste of yellow Gatorade but it'd way too sweet, way above the recommended carbs % anyway (which is 6%). I dilute it to half-strength and add a pinch of salt for the sodium. I chew on bars that contain more sodium with potassium and other minerals along the way or on rest stops.

I'm not a big fan of orangy-stuff but many of my riding friends have diluted (again, about to half) orange juice.