Originally Posted by
koala logs
On a mile century, I would have brought two 6L pannier bags. One bag full of ice cold water bottles and the other bag with one bottle of water and the remaining space with rice cakes. Over 20 lbs of weight in water and food I think. Typical in over 90F riding temperatures.
I can also bring less food and water but I'll have to slow my pace down, take it easy to make sure I get back home in good shape. If I didn't want to worry about pacing, then I'll bring as much food and water that I can. Pacing and adequate fueling can make the big different in long rides and may even improve your average speed despite bringing more load in food and water or simply taking the ride easy, no hard efforts unless absolutely necessary.
That's about a dozen 24 ounce bottles (at 8 lbs/gallon). That's about a bottle every 8 miles, which is a lot for even a hot century. Also, most people would carry far less and stop to obtain more along the way. You must be riding in some remote places.