No meds for me before any ride. Usually, I take all 7 prescribed meds after completing the ride and after I have my meal (breakfast or brunch), around noon time. As much as possible, I would tolerate any pain than taking pain meds. The reason for that is to protect the remaining kidney. And I have been living in pain due to arthritis. Have been very lucky, I haven't had the osteoarthritis and thanks to the physical activities recommended by arthritis doctors.