Hydration and Cycling: A Lesson I’ll Never Forget

Cycling is a great way to stay active and enjoy the outdoors. However, it’s important to remember that cycling—especially long-distance riding—is a strenuous activity that requires a lot of energy. One of the most essential elements for a successful ride is proper hydration. Dehydration can lead to fatigue, muscle cramps, and even heat exhaustion.

In this post, I’ll discuss the importance of hydration and how to outfit your bike to carry water. But first, I want to share a story from a ride where I learned—nearly the hard way—just how critical hydration really is.

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The Ride That Almost Cost Me

In 2004, I was riding from Carlsbad, New Mexico to San Angelo, Texas. Day one was manageable: about 80 miles to Hobbs. Day two, though, was 120 miles from Hobbs to Big Spring. I knew it would be hot, so I brought plenty of water and planned to stop at convenience stores—something all long-distance cyclists rely on.

I filled my bottles at nearly every stop and carried extras in my jersey pockets. But after turning at Andrews—about 40 miles into the ride—I hit a wall of 25 mph headwinds. That last stretch was rough. Worse yet, the convenience store I expected to see on that lonely highway had shut down. I suddenly had a 30-mile gap with very limited water.

I conserved what I had and made it to Big Spring, but I was cramping badly when I got to the hotel. I tried to rehydrate overnight, but I had already pushed my body too far.

The next morning, I didn’t feel right from the start. I rode toward San Angelo and stopped for lunch in a small town about 30 miles away. I refilled my bottles and thought I’d be fine.

I wasn’t.

Just five miles outside of town, I started feeling strange. It felt like every mile took two hours. I had nothing left in my legs, and my head felt light and dizzy.

Luckily, I found a roadside park and collapsed into the shade. I had an old Nokia cell phone and just enough presence of mind to call my wife, who was driving to meet me. I told her I was in trouble and gave her instructions I don’t even remember saying—"Bring ice. Put it under my armpits and in my groin if I’m out when you get here."

When she arrived, I was unconscious. She did exactly what I’d told her. It brought me back around quickly. We loaded the bike onto the car and drove the rest of the way into San Angelo.

Even though I eventually recovered, I didn’t feel well for days.

That experience changed me. I had trained hard and was in shape, but I didn’t listen to my body when it mattered most. That almost cost me my life.

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A Smarter Ride Years Later

Fast forward to 2020. On my ride across Texas, I had to travel a 60-mile stretch from Riviera to Raymondville—hot, remote, and with almost no services. But this time, I was ready.

• 12 bottles of water in my trailer

• 3 bottles in my jersey pockets

• 2 bottles in my bike cages

Even without ice, I stayed hydrated. I poured hot water over my head when needed—still effective at cooling off. The experience in 2004 made me cautious, and that caution paid off.

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Why Hydration is So Important

When you're cycling, your body temperature rises and you begin to sweat. Sweating helps you stay cool, but it also means you’re losing vital fluids and electrolytes.

When you become dehydrated, your blood thickens. That forces your heart to work harder to pump oxygen to your muscles, leading to:

• Fatigue

• Muscle cramps

• Dizziness and nausea

• Slower reaction time and mental fog

That feeling I described—like time had slowed and my legs had nothing left—was the result of serious dehydration.

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Outfitting Your Bike for Hydration

Here are some ways to ensure you always have water within reach:

1. Water Bottle Cages
The most common setup. Mounted on your frame, they typically hold 16–24 oz bottles and are made of lightweight plastic, aluminum, or carbon.

2. Jersey Pockets
Perfect for carrying a few extra bottles if you’re limited on frame space.

3. Hydration Packs
Backpacks with a water bladder and tube. They allow you to sip without stopping and can hold 2–3 liters of water—great for long, unsupported rides.

4. Handlebar or Stem Mounts
If reaching down to the frame isn’t ideal, these keep bottles within quick reach and can be useful on more technical terrain.

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What I Use Now

After that near-disaster, I also started exploring electrolyte solutions. After a lot of trial and error, I landed on Elete Hydration Drops. I add a few drops to my water bottles, and they’ve made a noticeable difference—fewer cramps, better energy, and no overheating episodes since.

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Final Thoughts

Hydration isn’t just about drinking when you feel thirsty—it’s about staying ahead of dehydration before it starts. Long rides, hot days, and remote routes demand preparation.

I’m living proof that even the best training won’t save you if you don’t respect the heat and your body’s limits. Be smart, over prepare, and ride safe.