TTime to get ready! Preparing for the Sunday morning long ride can feel like getting ready for a major trek, especially in hot weather.

I\’ll need electrolyte drink. I fix it the evening before, so it can  be thoroughly chilled. It tastes better cold, but unfortunately it won\’t stay cold for long!

I prep my recovery drink, too but usually I wait until morning to prep my ride food.

Sadly, Sierra Trail Mix Clif Bars don\’t seem to exist any more. I have to turn to other varieties, such as White Chocolate Macadamia Nut; or I take along other things to eat.

When I\’ll be out for much over one hour, I use the Camel-Bak. Even in cold weather, hydration is important. When it\’s hot, having enough fluid along is even more important.

Perhaps you\’ve noticed that riding for three or four hours with a heavy hydration system on your back leaves you feeling like something is pressing on you between the shoulder blades; even long after you\’ve finished your ride and put the Camel-Bak away until next week. I used to have that problem.

Exercises can help with that. An exercise similar to Prone Lateral Raise has strengthened those muscles enough that I can take that weight on my back much more comfortably.

Part of the prep is checking the weather forecast. It will be clear tomorrow, but hot. I wish there were a ride prep I could do to keep the temperature down! All I can do is to get ready for a hot ride.