General Cycling Discussion - Taking care of business

I don't know how else to put this. How does everyone take care of "business" during long rides? So far I've only done rides of less than 30 miles so I usually "go" before I go. I'll be doing a 50-miler next month and I want to be prepared if something happens. Number one shouldn't be a problem but I'm wondering about number two. Do I bring along supplies (paper) with me?

Thanks

I have some experience in this area from my days as a baseball umpire. My greatest fear was in the 3rd or 4th inning of a very important game, I would have to use the facilities, and most of the fields were I worked didn't have any facilities!

You learn to eat far enough in advance that you are completely through with your meal by the time you leave for the game or the ride. The average game I umpired lasted well over two hours, and, at times, when doing double headers, with an hour between games, you could have ridden a fact century! You also learn what to eat and what not to eat.

Plan ahead. You can also plan the route so you will pass close to fast-food restaurants, shopping malls, public libraries, athletic complexes that have facilities, so that, should the need arise.

I plan all of my routes so that I will be near one of these places at least every 90 minutes so I can refill my water bottles and, if needed, use the facilities.

I have done several 35, 40 and 50 milers and never once had to - well, shall we say had to "sit down?"

My guess is that organized rides pretty have this handled. My question is about when I'm riding alone.

I usually poo before the ride. I've done several 100+ mile rides, and haven't had a problem with having to go during it yet. If I have to urinate, I just get off the bike for a few seconds to do it.

Originally posted by lsits
My guess is that organized rides pretty have this handled. My question is about when I'm riding alone.

On long MTB rides, I take a small roll of toilet paper with me. You can actually sometimes find "travel rolls" in the travel section of department stores or in specialty travel stores but you can also just make your own mini-roll. Remember to place it in a ziplock bag to keep it from getting wet in the event it rains. That said, I have yet to actually use it but I do remember one of the questions I once saw in a mountain biking magazine...


Ever go into the woods without toilet paper and come out wearing only one sock?

On road rides, I just try and find a fast food establishment, gas station or some other business with a public restroom. Parks with facilities work too. To be honest, I usually don't have to "open the bomb bay doors" when I'm on rides... even during centuries... although I have had to "jettison unused fuel".

{Quote**
"Ever go into the woods without toilet paper and come out wearing only one sock?"

HAHAHAHAHA this is TOOO funny!!!!!

Bachman Turner Overdrive........1975

khuon - you almost made me blow diet coke out of my nose! What a great quote.

My rides over 30 miles almost always involve a pee stop. I can almost always find a private "moment" on any of my rides when I'm alone. It only takes 10 seconds of privacy.
Always try and be respectful.
My next trick will be on a long secluded down hill, just hang off the side and let it go.

Advice: Move away from the bike, pee will pit the rims.

Thanks for all the input. I'll ride a little easier now.