Caffeine and your ride

Road trips can be a blast.  They can also be tiring.  To get the most out of your ride and to make sure you’re as alert at the end of the day as you are at the beginning; make sure you stay hydrated.    It’s important because when your body is dehydrated, your brain won’t function at peak performance, meaning it will be impossible to react quickly to hazards

Here’s the thing, hydrate with water rather than caffeine.  Caffeine is a diuretic, meaning every time you stop to urinate, you’re flushing out necessary water to keep your brain functioning and your physical reaction in tip top performance mode.  . Dehydration also increases, tiredness, cramping and headaches, accelerating the exhaustion process.

It only takes two hours to start to dehydrate.  Drink well before then.  Invest a few bucks in Camelback water pouch or something similar.  Some jackets have built in pockets for hydration packs as well.  If you’re thirsty, you’re already dehydrated.   Dizziness and lightheadedness are also symptoms of dehydration.  Drinking plain water is best.  IF you’re out on the road a long time and it’s pretty hot, it’s wise to throw a G2 or Powerade Zero in the mix a couple of times as well to replace the electrolytes you lose through sweat.  Be sure to choose one without a ton of added sugar as this causes a host of other issues I’ll save for another article another time.

Stay hydrated friends, and ride safe..

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