Starting to hit the miles where my problem is water....
 

Friday I did 20 miles and just got back from a 10 mile ride. I love the longer rides. However my problem now is I am running out of water. Bike only has room for 2 bottles - one on the frame and one on the handle bars.

Those bottles last me about 10 miles. On Friday I stopped at the house and did a refill - rested for 5 min then headed back out. I really would like to push myself to my goal of 34 with out stopping. For that I need water.

Why 34? Sept 26 I have signed up for a 34 mile rally and I am worried as heck about being able to do it.

Anyways... what water solutions are there? I was looking at hydration packs but they are super expensive and I don't know if I can fit any of them on me. 306 lbs - 50 in waist right now.


Is there something I am over looking that can get me more miles with out having to worry about the water situation?

there are water bottle cages that attach to the back of the saddle via the seat post. They usually hold two water bottles. that should do it. there are also large water bottle cages by Velo Orange that hold a 1 liter nalgene bottle. Mojave Water Bottle Cage - Water Bottles & Cages - Accessories. Nalgene 32oz Water Bottle - Water Bottles & Cages - Accessories. Not cheap but by the time you buy a two bottle cage and a couple of bottles........

This rally.... will it have rest/break stops with water (and maybe even snacks)? If so.... the two bottles you're carrying now (supplemented with some rest stop supply's) should be enough.

If that is the case... why not just look for the park(s) with a drinking fountain, or gas station that sells sports drinks along your routes. That's what I do. In the heat and high humidity we've had here recently... I've stopped at a couple different parks, a gas station, and a little "Mom & Pop carry-out" just to refill and go.

And I only use one (albeit an extra tall/large) bottle.

My husband usually attaches a couple water bottles to his bike with bungee cords, besides the one that fits in the bottle holder. He used to have a rear rack on his old bike and he'd put a little insulated lunch bag full of water bottles on it. It didn't fit on his new bike and he hasn't gotten around to getting another one, but I think the rack was about $20 at Walmart so it wouldn't be an expensive thing to try. You wouldn't want to overload the rack, because anything on it is adding weight to the rear axle, but even a gallon of water is only 8lbs, so using it to carry water should be fine.

Once you figure out a way to carry several water bottles, you might try freezing a couple of them before your ride. They'll thaw while you ride and you'll have cold water when you need it.

I see that you're in Texas and it's probably quite hot and you're a big dude, but two bottles of water in 10 miles seems excessive.

If you can do 20 on your own, there is a great chance you can do 34 in an event so don't let that be your litmus test. Events with other riders make the trip seem easier and the miles seem to pass by quicker. I did a 50 mile event even though I never rode further than 25 before it but I was able to finish the 50.

I go through a 24 oz bottle every 10 miles. But I drink about 1.5-2 gallons of water a day off the bike, so I'm pretty well hydrated before I even start ride. Do you drink enough water (whatever that means for you) throughout the day? If not, you will feel excessively thirsty during the ride and go through more water.

But yes, I also run out of water. My bike has room for 3 cages, so I mounted all 3 (used some old cages so it was "free") and got bottles for them (look for 2-for-1 sales) but run out at about 30-35 miles. I think the best suggestion is to mount them to the back of the saddle/seatpost as the others have suggested.

Judi's idea also sounds good if you are ok with putting a rack on your bike, or if you already have one.

I assume you already have an existing back pack? You could just buy a hydration bladder for it and run the tube between the zippers, or fill it with extra water bottles, or if you have a jersey with back pockets, stuff some in there. You could also get a cheap running vest or belt and where it across one arm diagonally over your body?

I suppose being worried about the 34 mile rally is part of my problem. Only 2 months out and I am just afraid I will peter out towards the end and not make it. Some friends have pitched in and if I make the 34 then I get a new road bike and I can keep the mountain bike as a spare. Now I am doing more miles it would really be nice to get a road bike. I just have it in my head that I need to be able to do at least 30 non-stop before the rally.

This is a great idea - I will look into it. Thanks!

Simple idea that I might go with. Thank you

Texas is Hot...I once used One Bottles for each Six miles.

Like the behind the seat holder.

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/h...Indy500073.jpg

Thanks. I needed this. I am really paranoid about being able to do 34.

Third bottle in your jersey pocket? At 10 miles, bottle, that would get you close to 34 miles.

Camelback? You don't need a huge one. I tour with one that is 40 oz. That's pretty much 2 bottles. It's not as hot as you might imagine. I resisted them for a long time then ended up buying one while touring southern Spain because water stops could be few and far between. Didn't mind having one on my back one bit.

Well then... I like Judi's suggestion (below) even more. I have a rack on my back-up/rain bike. Those little racks/trunks are HANDY.

You did 20 on Friday? You got 34. Just keep putting in the miles. Get the legs used to the 20 mile rides. Then bump it to 25. You'll be amazed at how well you do! :thumb:

I'm glad to hear that you're listening to your body. If you need that much water, drink that much water. Some seem to only need 2 sips for each 100 miles, but I'm not one of those guys. I did a hilly 32 miles yesterday. And I drank 7 bottles. I know that's extreme, but my body needs that or I have issues. Your mileage may vary.

Are you a heavy sweater? If so, you may want to drop some of this (or similar product) into one or two of your bottles on a ride. Your body needs the electrolytes.

Summarizing your options:
1. Get a Camelback.
2. Drink a bottle or two of water before starting your ride.
3. Stop at a park and refill your bottles along the way.
4. Stuff an extra bottle of water in your jersey pocket.
5. See a doctor just to rule out a medical problem like diabetes.

Thanks - might look into that

I would recommend using Nuun tablets in your water during the day for at least 16 oz of your daily intake. It will help you stay more hydrated during the ride and may slow your intake on the bike. If it's that hot then you probably need more than just water on the bike as well. You can make homemade sports drinks pretty cheaply and easily.

I decided on a Camelbak because I don't like to fumble with bottles. Mine is a 2 L (about 64 oz) one with pockets for keys, cell phone, pump, spare tire, etc. I don't notice I wear it at it does multiple duties.

One word "Geigerrig". I carry two bottles in cages on my bike and carry a Geigerrig 710 or the Geigerrig 1600 with a three liter water bladder on my back. I also carry Hammer Nutrition "Fizz" tablets or Nuun hydration tablets with me to add to my water. I usually have one bottle filled with Hammer Nutrition "Heed" for a ride longer than 10 miles.

It's good that you are drinking when riding in the heat.

What size are your water bottles. I's seen some as small as 16 oz and others, like the Zefal Magnum, which hold 32+ ounces. Of course the larger bottles sometimes can cause fit problems as they are taller. Often they can't fit on the seat tube on smaller or compact frames.

I agree that you should consider using something like NUUN tablets if drinking that amount. You can get sick from just plain water.

For your 34 mile ride (which you will do) you might consider using some diluted sports drink like Gatorade. About 2 hours of riding is when you need some carbs and electrolytes especially if you are sweating a lot.

Are you hydrated before your rides? You might be starting off behind the power curve on fluids if you are dehydrated before riding.

There is one other thing that I really hate to bring up. But here goes: excessive thirst is a symptom of diabetes. Have you been check for that medical condition recently?

I should have read all the posts before replying. You beat me to #5 .

I used to strap a bag of the rear rack and put extra water bottles on it. The more I ride, the better the water situation gets. I see to need less. I brought 4 bottles with me on my last 45 mike ride and only drank 2. Last year I would have finished all 4 and refilled them once.

These are inexpensive - but wouldn't reach you in time for your event.... Still, food for thoughtBike Bicycle Cycling Seat Post Back Double Water Bottle Holder Cage Rack Adapter | eBay $6.00 + $1.39 shipping

Hoau New Aluminum Alloy Bike Bicycle Cycling Drink Water Bottle Rack Holder Cage | eBay $0.01 - free shipping

But of course, you still have to have the bottles for them - I have used multiple different "non-cycling" bottles that fit in cages (Dasani, Gatorade, etc...)

Time, cost or quality.... pick 2.