Quote Originally Posted by sundial View Post
Indy, would a Camelbak work for these long rides? Just thinking out loud.
IMO, it depends on how frequent the scheduled stops are. I can usually get by fluidwise on organized rides with two 20 oz. water bottles. Assuming the stops on the Tulsa ride are every 25-30 miles, I don't think you need a Camelback unless it's really hot.

I usually use water in one bottle and Cytomax in the other. I often bring some extra Cytomax powder with me since Gatorade doesn't agree with me and, in any event, not all organized rides offer it. I luckily found an an online source that sells Cytomax in serving size packets. Before that, I used to just measure it out into Ziploc baggies, which proved to be kind of messy.

At the risk of repeating myself, I think rehydration has to continue after the ride ends and before the next one begins. Prior to going to bed on after first night of the Horsey, I make sure I'm expelling a good volume and that the urine is virtually clear. That's a good sign I'm rehydrated. Then first thing the following morning, I down another big glass of water. It makes for frequent potty breaks, but I'd rather do that then (figuratively) crash mid-ride. In fact, I start every morning ride with a big glass of water.

Another thing I've learned is to make sure to drink during the lunch stop. When I did the Ride Across Indiana (that's 160 mile one day ride) the first time, I make the mistake of only eating during lunch. I barely touched my water bottle. Well, that was a half hour with little to no fluid. By ride's end, I could tell that I was starting to suffer from dehydration. So, the first thing I do at any lunch stop is to down some extra water and sports drink. Then I eat.

All of this sounds really intuitive, I know, but it actually take some discipline to stay on top of hydration and hunger during long rides. All other things being equal, it can make the difference between a successful and fun ride and a sufferfest.