Ok, I went for a 20 mile ride with hills in the mid afternoon between my daughters soccer matches and about 6 miles out I started feeling a little dizzy when I stopped at a light. My legs felt like they had butterflys along with my body. I did not want to continue and sucked down both bottles and finished with 20 mile total.

My question is what does dehydration feel like. I am sure I was dehydrated but want to fix that next time I go out. I beleive its what I am not drinking enough of prior to riding.

Thanks,

Wayne

Don't think it was dehydration. Usually you get headaches when you are dehydrated. If your blood sugar drops you can feel light headed, dizzy like you are going to pass out. Are you diabetic? Might want to go see a doctor if it becomes a frequent occurrence.

It has not happened all summer. I did 108 last weekend between both days and felt great at the the end. It could have been a couple things between diat and fluids. I will monitor and see the doc anyway because I am due.

Thanks for the response

The way I tell, and I think this is a very effective way of telling if you're drinking enough, is to watch your urine color. With some practice you can tell easily how your body is reacting to the amount of water you're giving it and whether you're becoming more or less hydrated, and take the appropriate corrective action.



On this chart, 1, 2, & 3 indicate that you're well hydrated. 6, 7, or 8 means you better drink something right now. If you're a 1 or 2 before you go for your ride, and you're still a 1 or 2 when you're finished it means you're drinking plenty of fluids for the activity you're doing.

We have a rule at the farm. Two large (32 oz) glasses of water before any work on a hot day. Usually the first is when you get up and the second is just before you go out the door to work. I continue drinking water or tea throughout the day. My goal is to drink enough spread over the day that I need to piss a few times during the day. If your not needing to piss, you aren't drinking enough. Think about it. I usually alternate water and cool plain tea. In the past couple years I haven't bothered with any of the sports drinks. When I did use them I found that most were best cut to 1/3rd or 1/4th strength.

I make tea in 2 quart canning jars. I fill the jar with water, then boil it in the microwave. Drop in the tea bags, and set the lid on top till the tea has steeped, 2 to 12 minutes depending on the tea type. Then I remove the tea bags and screw the lid on tight. Let it cool to room temp, and latter put it in the frig to cool. On a rainy day I can make a whole bunch of them as they keep unrefrigerated a long time. After all it is canned tea, just like canned veggies. You can get quality bulk tea at low prices from places like Upton Tea https://www.uptontea.com/