We aren\’t camels. We can\’t go for days — or even hours — without adequate hydration.

You don\’t have to be riding through a landscape like this to have to guard against dehydration. It doesn\’t have to be hot, either. Even in cold weather, when I do my weekly long ride, I use my Camel-Bak. I fill it all the way, and sometimes I don\’t drink more than a third of it. But I think it\’s important that I remain used to riding with the full load, so that the weight doesn\’t come as a shock when the hot season begins.

Water alone isn\’t enough. Electrolyte drink is also important, especially if you sweat heavily. You don\’t need to guzzle gallons of water and no electrolyte drink, and develop hyponatremia.

Next, how often should you drink? And how much? There\’s a lot of advice out there. Some of it says that thirst is a poor guide; some says the opposite. Some says, if you suddenly start to feel tired or lightheaded, you may be getting dehydrated. (You also might need to eat something!)

Finally, when your ride has ended, how do you tell whether you\’ve become dehydrated? When  you get up that morning, after you visit the bathroom but before you dress; or eat or drink anything, weigh yourself. Write it down. Post-ride, empty your bladder and weigh yourself again. If your weight is more than a pound less than is was before you began the ride, you\’re dehydrated. Don\’t forget, we aren\’t camels.