Back-to-Back Century rides...

[BabyBlueNTulsa]

Indy - thanks!
Actually, TT is really well supported. Rest stops are usually no more than 15 miles apart and they have everything you'd need for refills. I think if I take extra powder with me, I'll be able to mix new drinks right there. Nice! I used to just drink lots of their Powerade (think that's what it is) every stop. I'd fill both my 20oz polars, but usually only go through one per leg.

I will have to train myself to drink more b4 TT so that by then, its 2nd nature.

Good advice about the post ride re-hydration too.. I'll be watching the color!

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.

[indysteel]

You're making me want to do this ride! Too bad OK is so far from Indiana.

[BabyBlueNTulsa]

Aww Indy, its not that far! I drove from Tulsa to Evansville in about 9hrs..and i'm no speed demon. Mostly interstate... I-44 and I-64. No getting lost! Bring a friend and it's an even easier drive!

Come on.. I guarantee you there will be others coming from Indiana. I could probably find you a place to stay, too!

Three days of crit racing to watch...pro teams like Toyota United...and two days of GREAT riding in OOOOOO-klahoma...

[indysteel]

Thanks! It's definitely tempting, but I just looked at the dates. It's the weekend after the Horsey Hundred and the weekend before a scheduled trip to Boston with my BF from June 4th through the 7th.

Maybe I can swing it next year. I'd like to expand my organized ride repetoir, and I've never been to that part of the country.

Have a great ride though. I look forward to your ride report!

And wish me luck. I doing the Three State Three Mountain Challenge out of Chattanooga, Tennessee the first weekend in May. I'm gonna die. That's pretty early in the season for me to be doing a century, let alone one that includes so much climbing. There's a time cutoff for the century so depending on how my BF and I feel, we may end up having to do the metric. If the ride were later in the year, I wouldn't let myself off so easy but with it being so early, I'm going to go easy on myself. Heck, I don't even have 400 miles yet for the year. Spring has not quite sprung here in Indiana.

[Vireo]

BabyBlue,

I apologize...I thought I subscribed to this thread, but didn't get notice that you replied. I'm doing some bike maintenance (trying to make our Cannondale CAAD9's dirt worthy for some off road riding tomorrow) right now, but I will get back to you on this topic ASAP.

George

PS...I also wanted to thank you for your in depth answers!