Rec and Sports

Taking A Long Bicycle Trek Or Tour? Make Sure You Bring Enough Water.

Planning on a long ride around the lake or through the country back roads next weekend? You had better make sure you take along enough water to keep your strength up. Water is one of the most important factors to be aware of for a safe and enjoyable trip. After all, the human body is up to 85% water.

Research shows that a 50 to 60 mile bike run burns an average of 4000 calories depending on how fit you are and how hot the day is. There is more energy spent on hot days than mild or cools days. If you are traveling on hills or mountain trails, you will burn more energy than biking over level,even ground. Either way, you will require to pack enough water to take care of your needs.

A minimum of 2 one quart bottles are recommended by experts for a simple 60 mile run to slake your thirst. This does not take into account your own preferences and it is a good idea to take along more bicycle water bottles to make sure you stay hydrated for a longer trek. Long distance bicyclists sometimes equip themselves with water systems in back packs. Solo endurance, long distance bikers will often carry their own back pack water system and also sport water bottles to make sure they have an ample supply.

There are different sizes of water storage systems available for your safe travels. The can range from 60 to 100 liter back packs. The larger 100 liter packs need extra stabilizing support because of the water’s weight. Most of these systems come with adjustable waist straps to help keep them in place. One never will regret bring another bottle of water on your bike trek. However, how do you know you have enough water?

Often, if you are thirsty, or experiencing cotton mouth, you are probably in a mild state of dehydration. You can determine your water saturation point simply by noting the color of your urine. Is it clear? If it is, you are probably drinking enough water. If your urine is dark or cloudy, you should step up your water intake.

Dehydration can happen to you faster than ten minutes and can be the cause of muscle cramps. Cramping in turn may lead to unnecessary fatigue leading to irrational fear. The resulting diminished strength and can affect you to lose much of your complex motor skills.

So before you take to the highway with your cycling buddies for that long road trip, check your maps, your repair kits and don’t forget to pack plenty of good old H2O in your bicycle water bottle.

Larry Wildems has been cycling for mostof his 26 years. He has trekked and led many long ride bicycle treks across the USA and Europe. He has traveled throughout most of the countries of Central America and is planning a long trek across parts of China. Find out more about sports water bottles and water delivery systems, bicycles and cycling accessories at his website: http://www.bicyclewaterbottle.net