Proper Hydration the DAY BEFORE a ride is key, yes so true... But sweating in the Florida humidity drains you real fast. You will need some Gatorade and water after a few hard hours, and I find I sip and spit a lot. Three, four, five, six hour rides, miles from a store...I'll fill my 3 ltr to the max with Ice then water and my frame bottle with 'Ade'