Hydration is important

When you ride a bike (or do anything for that matter) in Texas in the summer, it is important to make sure you are properly hydrated. Some people like sports drinks but I prefer plain old water. Since I live in Waco, it’s plain old filtered water.

When I first started riding I put my little water bottle in the holder that came with the bike. But when I stopped to drink it was always warm even when I had filled it with ice before I left. Also it’s way down on the frame of the bike so you have to bend over and have really good balance to get the water bottle to drink while you are riding or you have to stop. I am not a fan of stopping and while I could probably bend over and get the water bottle now with all my 2 months of riding experience I have a better solution.

It’s a Camelbak.

At first I thought this would be uncomfortable but I don’t even notice it while I’m riding.  You just wear it like a backpack.  I fill it half way with ice first then top it off with water and I have cold water the whole ride.  The best part is that you just reach for that blue tube whenever you want a drink. You don’t have to stop at all.  I usually just coast along for a minute while I get a sip.

The blue tube hangs over your shoulder in the front and clips to the shoulder strap out of your way till you need it.  This model is a basic 2 liter.  It is not insulated but it works well for me.  It has a few pockets but I don’t use them since I have my fanny pack. Thanks to one of my sons who bought a larger 3 liter model of the Camelbak I got this one passed on to me so I didn’t have to spend anything for this great accessory.

What a great invention!