Pacific Northwest - Salt tablets

Riding through the heat the week before last, I got to thinking that it might be a good idea if I carried some salt tablets in my kit. Yeah, I read up on them and know that they're supposed to be a last resort and that sports drinks are better and all that, but, like the glucose tablets I already carry, I like to play on the safe side.

The problem is that I can't find any. I've tried REI, Big-5, Walgreens, Rite-Aid, and Bartells. None of the people in the pharmacies even seem to know what I'm asking about. The people at REI and Big-5 knew what I was asking for, but they didn't carry it. The closest I came was some medicinal recovery salts, in a powdered form to be added to 1L of water, at REI.

Does anyone know where I can pick some up locally? I can find them on-line but it seems silly to pay S&H for something that only costs $5-$7.

REI carries these: http://www.rei.com/product/779683

Go to McDonalds and grab a handful of their salt-packets. Or carry a small salt shaker with you.

I use endurolytes - they contain more than just sodium and can be found at most bike shops or online.

http://www.hammernutrition.com/za/HNT?PAGE=PRODUCT&PROD.ID=4037

I have always bought buffered salt tablets from the pharmacy and this is a standard medical item used to treat heat exhaustion.

check these out, from rite aid - thermotabs!

http://www.riteaidonlinestore.com/products/prod.asp?pid=149791&catid=10714&trx=PLST-0-SEARCH&trxp1=10714&trxp2=149791&trxp3=1&trxp4=0&btrx=BUY-PLST-0-SEARCH

NUUN is so much tastier but its not quite the same as a salt tab.

i've brought along rocks of sea salt, in a little cello, to suck on during long rides, but stopped after realizing they looked like crack cocaine on casual inspection.. not the thing to have fall out of your jersey pocket at the rural bakery...

I use endurolytes - they contain more than just sodium and can be found at most bike shops or online.

http://www.hammernutrition.com/za/HNT?PAGE=PRODUCT&PROD.ID=4037

+1

Endurolytes and NUUN are my combo of choice for rides over 60 miles, regardless of the weather.

I use nuun tablets, you can get them at most bike shops (definitely Velo Bike Shop on Capitol Hill).

On 200+ milers I end up drinking 6-8 of those tablets, in a addition to a few bottles of plain water. Good stuff.

Also I don't consider them a last resort, their essential to my hydration efforts on these long rides.

I use nuun tablets, you can get them at most bike shops (definitely Velo Bike Shop on Capitol Hill).

On 200+ milers I end up drinking 6-8 of those tablets, in a addition to a few bottles of plain water. Good stuff.

Also I don't consider them a last resort, their essential to my hydration efforts on these long rides.

You probably get enough sodium in those 7-11 microwave burritos you eat. :lol:

(I know, I know... this, from the guy who brings salami and cheese sandwiches instead of Clif Bars.):rolleyes:

I've heard of people eating TUMS antacids on rides (calcium carbonate -- supposed to be good for muscle function). I sweat a lot, so I always take some Endurolytes with me for extra hot days (they're too expensive to use regularly though). I also really like Hydralyte (formerly Gookinaid).

Does sodium really prevent cramping?

http://www.sportsscientists.com/2007/11/muscle-cramps-part-1-theories-and.html
http://www.sportsscientists.com/2007/11/muscle-cramps-part-ii.html

I only drank water on Ramrod no cramps. But I did cramp on a 90 mile training ride... which I was not ready for.

Does sodium really prevent cramping?

http://www.sportsscientists.com/2007/11/muscle-cramps-part-1-theories-and.html
http://www.sportsscientists.com/2007/11/muscle-cramps-part-ii.html

I only drank water on Ramrod no cramps. But I did cramp on a 90 mile training ride... which I was not ready for.

Interesting.
Here are Parts 3-5:
http://www.sportsscientists.com/2007/11/muscle-cramp-part-iii.html
http://www.sportsscientists.com/2007/11/muscle-cramp-part-iv.html
http://www.sportsscientists.com/2007/12/muscle-cramps-part-v.html