The Old Guy Bicycle Blog

How much water should I drink after cycling? I used to be really bad at drinking enough water during my training rides, but I've learned to make sure I drink plenty afterwards. It's important to stay hydrated to perform your best, and I'm better about drinking water during rides now, but it's still important to drink afterwards as well. After a long or strenuous bike ride, you'll need to drink more water to replenish the fluids and electrolytes you lost through sweat. A good rule of thumb is to drink 16-24 ounces of water for every pound of body weight you lose during your ride. If you don't have time to weigh yourself, you can also drink based on your thirst. Aim to drink until your thirst is quenched and your urine is light yellow or clear. If you forget to drink enough water during your ride, don't worry. Just make sure to drink plenty of water after your ride to rehydrate. You may also want to consider drinking an electrolyte-rich drink, such as a sports...

  When cycling, it is important to stay hydrated and maintain proper electrolyte balance to avoid cramping, fatigue, and other negative effects of dehydration. One way to ensure this is to add electrolytes to your water bottle, but many products on the market also contain calories, which can be problematic if you are trying to avoid unnecessary energy intake. In this post, we will discuss several ways to get electrolytes in your water bottles during bike rides without adding calories. Electrolyte Tablets: One option for adding electrolytes to your water bottle is to use electrolyte tablets. These are small tablets that dissolve in water and provide a concentrated dose of electrolytes without adding any calories. Many brands offer electrolyte tablets with different combinations of minerals, such as sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs. Electrolyte Drops: Another option for adding electrolytes to your water bottle is to use...

  Cycling is a great way to stay active and enjoy the outdoors, but it can be physically demanding, especially when it comes to long-distance rides. As you pedal away, it's important to keep your body fueled and hydrated. However, not all sources of hydration are created equal, and one of the biggest culprits for causing issues during a ride is sugary soda. While sugary soda may provide a quick energy boost, it can have serious negative effects on a cyclist's body during a long-distance ride. Here are a few reasons why: Blood sugar spikes and crashes : When you consume sugary soda, your blood sugar levels spike, providing a quick burst of energy. However, this energy is short-lived, and your blood sugar levels will quickly drop, leaving you feeling fatigued and sluggish. This can be particularly dangerous during a long-distance ride, as it can cause a cyclist to hit a wall and struggle to complete the remaining miles. Dehydration: Sugary soda contains a high amount of sugar an...

  When it comes to cycling, proper hydration is crucial for performance and overall health. Dehydration can lead to decreased performance, muscle cramps, and even heat exhaustion. Therefore, it's important for cyclists to pay attention to their fluid intake before, during, and after a ride. Water Water is the most important drink for a cyclist. During exercise, the body loses water through sweat, and if not properly replenished, dehydration can occur. When cycling, it's recommended to consume at least one bottle of water every hour, even during cooler weather. In hot weather or high-intensity rides, it may be necessary to consume more than one bottle per hour. One way to determine how much water to consume during a ride is by weighing yourself before and after the ride. If you have lost weight, it's a sign that you may be dehydrated and need to consume more fluids during your rides. Electrolyte Drinks In addition to water, electrolyte drinks can also be beneficial for cycli...

How much water should a Cyclist Drink? As a cyclist, I know how important it is to stay hydrated during rides. However, I am guilty of not drinking enough water, and it has negatively impacted some of my rides. After doing some research, I have realized just how crucial proper hydration is for cyclists.  Negative impacts of not being properly hydrated as a cyclist. Decreased Performance : When you are not properly hydrated, your body's ability to cool itself decreases, causing your body temperature to rise. This increase in body temperature can cause fatigue and decrease your cycling performance. As a result, you may experience a decrease in endurance, speed, and power output. Increased Risk of Injury : Dehydration can also increase your risk of injury. When your body is dehydrated, your muscles are not as pliable as they should be, which can increase your risk of muscle strains and cramps. Additionally, dehydration can cause your joints to become stiff and increase your risk of jo...

Caffeine is a popular stimulant that is commonly consumed by athletes and cyclists in particular. It is known to improve physical performance by increasing alertness, reducing perceived exertion, and delaying fatigue. In this blog post, we will explore the effect of caffeine for cyclists riding a century (100 miles) and how it can impact their performance. Caffeine is a natural substance found in coffee, tea, and cocoa, and is also added to many soft drinks, energy drinks, and supplements. It is a central nervous system stimulant that acts by blocking the action of adenosine, a neurotransmitter that promotes sleep and suppresses arousal. Cyclists often consume caffeine before and during a long ride to improve their endurance, mental focus, and overall performance. Studies have shown that caffeine can increase the time to exhaustion, reduce the perception of effort, and enhance cognitive function in endurance athletes. For a cyclist riding a century, caffeine can have several beneficial...

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. 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 pocke...