Originally Posted by
genejockey
I would add to this, for the OP, that 1) learning how to grab a bottle, take a big swig, and put it back without looking or wavering from your line is a useful skill worth learning and practicing, especially if you live in a desert, and 2) some people really don't like plain water. My older son is like that. If that's part of not drinking while riding, I'd suggest finding something you don't mind drinking.
And I need to practice that skill too!
When riding in a paceline, which I don't do often enough, I am a little hesitant to take a gulp and a bottle lasts me almost 90 minutes instead of 50 minutes. So by the 3 hour mark I'm feeling the effects of not having drank enough fluids. On three hours rides solo or with just a few other's I get plenty to drink and have no issues.
The charity ride I did near the end of last summer is a good example of this. But I'll spare y'all the long story!