DEHYDRATION - VERY REAL...VERY SCARY!

[bobbyf6b]

Cup holders aren't "cool" but I have one on each bike. I carry a bottle of water with me 90% of the time. If I'm going on a long ride I pack a small cooler with more drinks. I also like to ride with long pants and long sleeves. It keeps me cooler. And full finger gloves. The hot wind off the road will burn your fingers.

Summer in Phoenix is awesome.

Oh ya. It's a good idea to carry a plate of some kind to put your kick stand on. Kick stands are known to go right through asphalt out here. Even a smashed aluminum can will work in a pinch.

And the tar snakes. They're like riding on melted wax.

[Elin in So. Cal.]

Two words: Wet Vest. I have one, keep it wet and frozen in the freezer (so the water doesn't get "stinky" in the gallon plastic bag.)

And water. Lots. of. water.

In addition to that, I take on long day trips where the temps go into the 90s some quart baggies of cut up fresh fruit in with the frozen water bottle and wet vest, which goes in a soft-side carrier.

I take baggies of
grapes
watermelon
canteloupe
honeydew
strawberries

Snacking on these really keeps you hydrated, and adds necessary micro nutrients and non-sugary-calories to your day.

[motozeke]

I'm a big fan of cool vests, but this thing is the shiznit:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4A3PkTZ3qvQ

[Steve 0080]

All of the above is why I ride at night in the summer time....went out Wed night for about 50 miles and needed a long sleeve sweat shirt...may go out tonight as well... Night time is the ony time!!!!

[CheckpointChcky]

I notice that when I take long rides, I develope inner thigh leg cramps later in the evening long after I have finished riding for the day. Upon doing a little research, I found out that this can be a common problem among bikers. One suggestion was to drink Gatorade as evaporation can cause a depletion of electrolytes thus causing the muscles to cramp up. So, on my last trip, I downed two bottles of the lemon-lime Gatorade and I did not have one cramp at all. Conclusion? My cramps were caused by dehydration and loss of electrolyte balance. I will always carry Gatorade when I travel on the bike from now on.