How much water per hour?

[Jaco45er]

Out of interest, how much water do you drink while road biking?

The reason I ask is, I done 25 miles this evening (not bad considering Saturday I done my furthest yet, 40 miles), but consciously this evening I drank less (water that is, I don't drink n ride ), as I done a similar distance 2 weeks ago, drank 500 ml of water before I started, then 2 x 750 ml bottles (both with a zero tab in each), finish the lot before the end of the ride (ride time 1:45 mins) and had a terrible stitch and stomach pain near the end.

This evening I drank a small glass of water before starting, and only 750 ml on the ride with a similar time and felt fine.

I know there is a lot of empathise on hydration, but can you drink too much? I read somewhere that if you are thirsty, it's too late, so possibly I over-hydrate?

 

[Rob3rt]

It would depend drastically on the circumstances.

People are paranoid about hydration and you will get told all sorts of bollocks advice, but this is the real world where you are pootling about, drink when you feel like you want to drink!

 

[derrick]

Drink when you are thirsty.

 

[ianrauk]

Drink when you are thirsty.

This...

 

[SpokeyDokey]

As above really. Just do what feels right.

No way would I put down 2L of fluid just before/during a 25 mile ride even on a very hot day.

I've only done a handful of rides that distance but my consumption was around 4 or 5 squirts from the water bottle (maybe 3-400ml total) during the rides and a glass of squash when I got home.

 

[Jaco45er]

It would depend drastically on the circumstances.

People are paranoid about hydration and you will get told all sorts of bollocks advice, but this is the real world where you are pootling about, drink when you feel like you want to drink!

Yer I think you have a point fella. Everything I read its all about taking on "plenty" of fluid, but I am thinking this "Thirsty is too late" is tosh !!!

 

[Linford]

Taking a swig when feeling parched works for me

 

[Tyke]

I carry 2 750 ml bottles of just water and very rarely start the second bottle before I get home on that distance. Usually drink the other one over about an hour when I get back.

 

[Rob3rt]

Yer I think you have a point fella. Everything I read its all about taking on "plenty" of fluid, but I am thinking this "Thirsty is too late" is tosh !!!

For the average bike ride it is yes. Sip as and when you feel like it.

For a serious athlete in the heat of competition, it may well be. Although that is even debated in the scientific literate now I believe.

 

[Jaco45er]

That counts me out, I'm not serious about anything . I use a 2l hydration pack on my MTB, and rarely use it all (sometimes out for 4 hours). But new to the road, and find it much more intense, but think I have over-estimated how much water to drink.

"Take a swig when parched" sounds like good advice @Linford

 

[Linford]

I much rather drink from a bottle than my camelback thing. Funny taste from everything which came out of it regardless of how much I rinsed it out

 

[Jaco45er]

Little tip Linford. Don't bother rinsing and rinsing the bladder, slap it straight in the freezer till next ride. It stops odour and bacteria build up.

 

[Kies]

1 big bidon should be more than enough on a 25-30 mile ride, it may run out on a hot day. I would use a salt tab if doing 50+ miles.
Try and sip at every traffic light stop, not gulp it down, or when mouth feels dry.

 

[MarkF]

People are paranoid about hydration and you will get told all sorts of bollocks advice, but this is the real world where you are pootling about, drink when you feel like you want to drink!

Yes, I've just read an article in CA suggesting you need all sorts of weird concoctions to replace body fluid & minerals before riding to the shops, just to be sure. I ride out on a weekend 3/4 hour ride and I have just 1 x 660ml bottle with me, I don't think I've ever drunk it all.

 

[Linford]

1 big bidon should be more than enough on a 25-30 mile ride, it may run out on a hot day. I would use a salt tab if doing 50+ miles.
Try and sip at every traffic light stop, not gulp it down, or when mouth feels dry.

Not that easy for me to look for natural stops like traffic lights as my routes are planned to avoid them.My pattern is ride up abig hill, get puffed out half way up, stop for a breather, and take a sip then