Quote Originally Posted by WindingRoad View Post
Catrin - I too am hypoglycemic and I find that I have to use more than Accelerade for my electrolytes. Accelerade works great for sustaining my energy levels but I have to use shot blocks with it or gatorade (full strength). It's been so hot here lately I'd say you are losing more electrolytes than you think. I have been sweating so bad that I'm salting out. My face will get tiny salt crystals on it and it looks like white dust. If I dump water over my head I can taste salt water running over my lips. As long as you are eating enough before going out on these longer rides I would guess you are experiencing cramps from lack of electrolytes. Add shot blocks and try that.
I did have shot blocs, but only ate 3 of them in the 3.5 hours before this happened (and a cliff bar). I know if my blood sugar drops too low that causes the kind of "slow" thinking I was having. I did have a somewhat lighter breakfast than normal before the ride - thinking that I didn't want to weigh myself down with too much food in the heat. I am also diabetic (type 2) so am always fighting that question of how much is too much - but the body has to have the right kind of fuel.

If I had drank the Heed that I had with me - and eaten more shot blocs - it probably would have been fine.

Thanks everyone for helping me think this through. As I increase my mileage base for longer and longer rides I really need to get this nutrition/hydration thing worked out. I think I want one more 50 mile ride just to make sure everything is working for me before I bump it up to 60 miles...