Why would camels be in the snow?

We cyclists can look rather like dromedaries when we set out for a prolonged ride, loaded down with a Camel-Bak. This pic looks like a hot location; but if you live where freezing temperatures are the norm in Winter, there are some precautions to take.

One of them is to watch that your drinking tube doesn\’t freeze. I believe it\’s possible to buy insulated drinking tubes. If you must, tuck your drinking tube inside of your clothing. Another trick you might use is to blow into your bite valve after taking a drink. I do that when the valve is old; has developed a split; and is likely to drip.

If it\’s really, REALLY cold; let\’s say, well below freezing, there\’s also the risk of frozen bottles of electrolyte drink. I don\’t like to think of riding in such conditions. If you must, maybe use an insulated water bottle. Use warm water for mixing the drink. I suppose that could let you stay out a bit longer.

Actually, if we get a freak cold snap, I\’m likely to be a wimp and stay indoors. About two years ago, that\’s exactly what happened. The chill factors were down in the upper 20s, which is horrifically cold for New Orleans.

It didn\’t snow, though, so cyclists around here didn\’t get a chance to play camels in the snow.