I do most of my day rides and long training rides in suburban areas so I usually only carry 2 water bottles on my bike, 1 with electrolyte and 1 with plain water. I have given up freezing anything since this summer the temps have averaged 95 or higher everyt ime I have ridden. I find that the electrolyte although tepid by 7 miles is usually still palatable, and I use the plain water to dilute the remaining electrolyte. I usually pass a gas station at 1/3 of the way and I make a point of stopping in and using the restroom (never pass up a flush toilet) and buy a bottle of water or sport drink and then ask if I can get some ice.

If I am going to be in more rural areas, I carry a camelbak as a backup, but mostly I figure that a brief step down every 25-30 miles for a toilet break and a few minutes in the ac help keep me cooler and hydrated.

marni in Sugar Land Texas