msr13

Today I went for a short ride. Didn't think I would need to bring the water bottle. Figured I would just be out for 30-45 minutes. The 90 degree weather didn't feel that hot. (Our first really hot day.) I never felt thirsty and while I was sweating, I wasn't sweating a lot. The last mile of my ride, my hands and feet turned numb and I was breathing hard on a route I thought I could do in my sleep at this point. Called my doctor and he told me I was dehydrated and to drink. I had thought the numbness might be related to my seat, but he said my hands wouldn't have gone numb. Anyway, no big deal, but another of my newbie epiphanies. I had no idea numbness was symptomatic of dehydration. And, I never felt thirsty or too hot. I never connected the need to drink in that moment. I will never leave home again without water.

lenny866

In addition...drink a lot the day before the ride, during the day of the ride and after it. Also, replace the electrolytes!!

I am 30 minutes north of you. I work in Loudonville.

Let me know if you want some information on local rides in our area. I've put together a list for some friends and would be happy to share it.

tergal

""Symptoms may include headaches similar to what is experienced during a hangover, a sudden episode of visual snow, decreased blood pressure (hypotension), and dizziness or fainting when standing up due to orthostatic hypotension. Untreated dehydration generally results in delirium, unconsciousness, swelling of the tongue and, in extreme cases, death."" Quick copy of wiki


Do any of those sound fun while riding ?

Dehydration is one of those things i am constantly drilling in to peoples heads be it in the work place or amongst family. I have been to the hospital 4 times in my life, 1 of those for dehydration it isn't fun .

Always keep in mind, By the time you feel thirsty you are already dehydrated. Always take a water bottle you got lucky mate.

nkfrench 

For your ride I would pre-hydrate then take along at least 24oz cold water; then have more available when I get off the bike.

You can also get hand and foot numbness if you are riding on rough roads. Different bikes will transmit road buzz to the rider differently. Frame and fork material, handlebar design/padding, frame geometry, saddle design, tire width and inflation all play in.

Electrolyte imbalance is even worse than dehydration. Read up on hyponatremia.

mtvelo39

You have to drink regardless of the length of ride. When it's hot and you don't sweat, it means your core tempeture is climbing(very bad). You were probably dehydrated before you started. The numbness was probably caused by the core temp climbing and your body getting ready to shut down all activity to get your internal temp down. NEVER skimp on your fluids.

chefisaac

drink more then you think you need to. Some days you might not need much, some days you will. I always bring two water bottles on weekend rides and one for my 11 mile commute to work.

Once you get to that stage, it is VERY hard to get back on top of things, especially when still riding.

IBOHUNT

When I was shooting competitively I would make sure I drank at least a gallon of water the day before the shoot and a liter of water an hour during the shoot if it was hot. (>75F)
I've continued that trend today by drinking at least 3 liters of water/day with no activity. If I am doing any riding or other 'exercise' type stuff I will drink a liter/hr.
Also, as nkfrench pointed out... don't forget the electrolytes

youcoming

Never leave without water.

msr13

Appreciate all the experiences and feedback. What struck was not even considering or knowing that the symptoms were indicators of a lack of water. I will never leave home again without it and I will drink persistently before going. As my grandfather used to say, "You learn something new every day."

Pinyon

You should at least feel a slight urge to urinate very 1 - 1.5 hours or so.

I always drink enough in hot weather. It is when it is cool or cold outside, that I often "forget."

Enough fluids are key to enjoying any ride over 1.5 hours for me.

vesteroid

Just remember that your body cannot process any more than 28-32 oz per hour, so drinking any more than that is as bad or worse than drinking too little.

nkfrench 

Cold water can also help you cool down when you pour it on yourself.
All sorts of things can happen that put you out in the heat longer than expected.
It's good to be prepared.