Rehydration for you on the bike...

[Streak]

There are lots of ways to do it, but staying hydrated especially in the summer months are VERY important.

Which means, Drinking Water, or a Rehydration product, the service station stuff works but is full of rubbish, if you can get your hands on brands like Thorzt or Squincher, they are designed for the workplace, and don't have all the extra rubbish in them that will go straight through you. ( i use the satchels as they are easy to store and dont take up much room)

Thorzt (Australian Made)

http://thorzt.com/shop/solo-shot-2/ (this is what i use now)

Squincher (USA Made)

http://pryme.net.au/products/squincher-qwik-stiks-lite (this is what i used to use)

Camel Back (USA Made)

http://pryme.net.au/products/camelbak-watermaster-2l-grey (this is the one that i use)

all the information aside, fluid is important, especially if your not used to riding the Longer distances, and as stated Below :

Stop, Drink and Stretch

[Marcus]

GAG!...I tend to stop at servo's stretch my legs and a smoke and a drink...seems to work just as good

[Streak]

GAG!...I tend to stop at servo's stretch my legs and a smoke and a drink...seems to work just as good

There are lots of ways to do it, but staying hydrated especially in the summer months are VERY important.

Hence why we say there are lots of ways to do it, we are just making suggestions for those of us who have not ridden in the heat or a long way before 

[alans1100]

I guess with having the trailer we can take our esky with us but rather than buy ice I'll put three or four two litre bottles frozen water  in the eski and top up with ice on day two. When it melts you then have access to water for drinking and cooking.

I prefer to stop every hour or so and get off and walk around for 10 mins or more often if it's warmer rather than carry anything extra on us.

[tj189]

GAG!...I tend to stop at servo's stretch my legs and a smoke and a drink...seems to work just as good

Great idea to stop, drink and stretch the legs 

[StinkyPete]

I've disussed hydration while riding in hot conditions with my doctor, and he advises that plain water is fine, drink befiore you are thirsty, but add anything to the water and it will absorb into your body much quicker than straight water alone.   You can add a squeese of fruit juice, a pinch of sports drink powder (what I do), a splash of cordial, a dash of lemonade...... they will all work.

[WendyL]

I use a 2L Camelbak, and tend to empty it between stops on a long trip, I tend to stop every 200km or so.  Usually I just use water, and then have salt tablets and magnesium powder when I stop.  My best effort was 18 litres in a day, Ti Tree to Darwin in February, so pretty bloody hot, and I happened to be wearing a black leather jacket on that trip 

[gaz]

GAG!...I tend to stop at servo's stretch my legs and a smoke and a drink...seems to work just as good

There are lots of ways to do it, but staying hydrated especially in the summer months are VERY important.

Hence why we say there are lots of ways to do it, we are just making suggestions for those of us who have not ridden in the heat or a long way before 

but i like the blue drinky stuff

[SToz]

Not trying to rain on anyone's parade here to do with Camelbaks, but I heard a similar story to this one about a motorcyclist coming off while wearing one.

A similar result.

http://www.goneboarding.co.uk/mobile/forum/warning-re-wearing-a-camelbak/threadid/37939/showthread.aspx

Just be aware of the potential consequences.

I prefer to stop, stretch, drink....etc etc

[tj189]

I like the post Rick as it adds to the information for riders to make their own choices and decisions about the things they use on the Bike. 

I actually tried using one on my back once and found it very unsuitable for riding, however there are a lot of riders out there that use them that way.

My camelback resides in the tankbag

[Streak]

Yep could not agree more with you both, i am going to try my camel back out of the tank bag as well, trying to avoid having the extra weight on my back to!

[BigTed]

I've often thought of using a camelback on the upcoming rally, but have wondered - do you guys actually use it while in motion?

I know some do, but I'm concerned on several fronts: a) how do you use it with a full-face helmet, wind-guard under the chin, and a microphone for the intercom; b) maintain a safe ride when you've got 1 hand off the handlebars for an extended period.?

R.

[WendyL]

Hi Rob, I use mine while in motion. As I don't use a wind guard (if its hot enough to need the camelbak, you want as much airflow as possible) and I also don't have a microphone, it's fairly quick and simple to feed the tube under the helmet. I hold the tube with my teeth until finished then just let it go.

[tj189]

I use a right angle mouth piece, slide it sideways under the chin bar and with a twist it is in the mouth.  Probably the same time it takes to lift or wipe the visor or scratch your private parts.  Like most things the more you use it the easier it becomes.
The tube is connected to a Retractable Card Holder with Strap and Nylon Cord - Black AC9810002 from Officeworks, which is attached to the tankbag.  This way I don't lose the tube and it does not flap around in the wind.

[horizontal]

I have a right angle mouth piece like tj. mine has a little magnet on it.  clicks nicely to the tank in easy reach.  I think the secret of hydration like many have said is drink before your thirsty.  I use a very weak staminade mix and and have got into the habit of having a couple of sips every 10 mins or so.
                                                                           Greg

[IanB]

Spot on Greg.
If you constantly sip and only sip then you'll go further between loo breaks.
those who go the big gulps of liquid fill the stomach which can't use most of it so it's passed  on.
And as someone else said don't wait till you feel thirsty, by then you're already on the dehydration spiral.
Hot days - servo bathrooms, fill the basin, soak the T shirt or similar put it with out squeezing then on with the good gear and away- usually good for abt 200kms before it's bone dry again.