timmythology

Hello

I am writing this to learn more about car-free water consumption when completing errands. When riding for recreation, long distance, and touring I drink the recommended bottle an hour, and use a watch beeper as a reminder set at 10-15 minute intervals so that I remember. Since the first of the year I have been drinking black coffee and water as my primary beverages with a stray diet 7up when not feeling well. After a ride yesterday where I spent a few hours poking around and taking pictures (Sunday Parkways), I realized I am not drinking that much when riding around town.

Through a reflection I realize that I don't drink and commute since it is 6 miles one way. Which should translate that I may not even have a water bottle on my bike (currently have two sitting on the counter at the lbs) to begin with. I also put off drinking when thirsty with the thought of "I'll do it right after" where after is like tomorrow and so never becomes my present. I don't have a fear of not having water, because it's so accessible. I just really underestimate the duration-time I am on the bike when riding around town, and would prefer to not have to play catch up when it comes to water.

thanks for any input

Artkansas 

I carry water with me and drink as I get thirsty. No rules, though I can estimate about 1 bottle per 10 miles. Less in winter.

RPK79

I have my Garmin set to alert me every 15 minutes of ride time which is when I take a few gulps of water.

timmythology

I love the beep, but get really self conscious of it when rings around others.
I like the ten mile thought, it's something to I can do. Will have to put a computer on my bike.

Thanks

Roody

I drink when I get thirsty. I never really thought about using a clock or a computer to tell me when to drink! Sometimes I go six hours without drinking. If I'm sweating, I drink more often, maybe every couple hours. I rarely carry water with me when I'm riding in town. I just stop at a drinking fountain or get an iced tea.

Artkansas 

Well, I don't judge my distance by computer. But I know that if I'm going to downtown, I'll need a bottle of water. Two, if it's a round trip. If there's a water fountain on the way, I may fill up. That's one thing about car-free riding, much of it is to places you've already been to. So experience can be your guide.

wahoonc

I have a cup holder mounted on my city bike, I use a 16 ounce Tervis cup with a lid on it. Refill when empty with beverage of choice. It has been known to hold the occasional margarita I don't really worry too much about water intake, I drink water all the time, rather than other beverages. Only exception is first thing in the morning I am going to have my two cups of coffee... No Coffee, No Workee!

Aaron

Machka 

Before you go for a ride, drink a tall glass of water.

When you get in from a ride, drink a tall glass of water.

And just make it a habit of having a bottle of water on the bicycle. When you stop to take a picture or whatever ... each time you stop ... have a drink.

timmythology

Thanks again for the replies.

I get very focused when I am doing stuff, and resorted to using a sound device when doing longer rides, and it worked. I wish it were not so, but like they say about that.

I think the reason it became noticeable is that the length of time I was out yesterday, and it was a perfect day to just stroll around.

Machka unfortunately I am not able to do it when taking pictures, because I forget when I start looking at the scenery, and think of focus, compistion, and I know you take great photos and may understand this: )



I mean how often do you get a beer to walk by?

enigmaT120

...as often as you seem to stop for pictures, that could result in a need for extra stops!

Machka 

But most of the pictures I've taken while cycling have been on long rides, so they might be 20 or 30 or 50 km apart. Then I might stop and take several in different directions.

timmythology

I need to have a "many stops do not follow on my back" I stop so much. I stopped and took this on Sunday,



Could have waited longer for a better composition, but I was thirsty : )

gerv 

This sounds about right to me. Although unless it's super hot out... or unless I'm doing > 20 miles, I just have a small glass of water before, a few gulps on the trip and a little more when I arrive.

loky1179

You didn't say you were consuming "Vitamin R"!! (Vitamin R = Rainier Beer, for those not familar with this dietary staple).

I worked at the Big Sky ski area in Montana one season after college, and I survived on Vitamin "R" and Lipton's cup of soup. When I did the math, I figured out that most of my calories were coming from the Vitamin "R".

You should be fine.