Originally Posted by
DrRobert
It doesn't matter whether you use pills or solution, but water alone is a VERY bad idea. Even on short (<2hr) rides if you sweat a lot you need electrolytes.
The loss of electrolytes through sweating will cause muscle fatigue (often misinterpreted as low energy) and possibly cramping.
You also need to think about electrolyte replacement after a long hot ride.
I think I learned my lesson last year.
Went on a 85mi round trip ride to Three Floyds brewery when it was around 90 degrees F and full sun. I was really hurting the last 15 miles coming back through the city. Still felt fairly strong riding...but was woozy and getting a pretty bad headache. I thought I might have been severely dehydrated...but I had been drinking a lot of water, and actually weighed myself and had only lost maybe half a pound from the morning. Spent about 2 hrs of moping around the house feeling weak, woozy, before I realized I might have hyponatremia. Had a bunch of salty peanuts and pretzels, and felt better about 30 minutes later.