TEAM Arizona Riding Tip July 2012: Portable Hydration System
Last Updated: April 1st, 2024
Do I dare say it? Let’s get it out of the way; summer is in full force. Blech. We know it is not your favorite time to ride, but with a little planning and proper gear, including a portable hydration system, riding can be an enjoyable summertime experience.
Portable hydration packs work well and will keep you on two wheels longer and with more comfort. Off-road riders have known this for years. You might be thinking, “I don’t go off road, why would I need a hydration pack.” Direct exposure to the sun, higher temperatures, and high humidity can all contribute to dehydration while riding motorcycles, no matter the type of riding.
In hot weather riding, protecting yourself against dehydration and heat exhaustion is paramount. Dehydration is defined as an excessive loss of water from the body. Heat exhaustion, characterized by dizziness and headache, can affect clear thinking and concentration. As motorcyclists, we cannot afford any loss of mental capacity or motor skill. Therefore, we need to make sure we drink plenty of water.
Hydration requires constant vigilance. If a rider continually dehydrates themselves by 5% per day, after five days of riding on the road, they may only be at 75% hydration levels; a serious situation that can present serious real-world ramifications.
How do you get the hydration wheels turning? First, start drinking water before you even go out to ride. In fact, don’t even put on your motorcycle boots or jacket until you’ve had at least one glass of water. We’ve all heard the old rule: 8 glasses of water a day. However, you actually may need to drink more or less water than that, depending on your body size.
A better rule to remember is to take your weight in pounds and divide it by 2 for the number of ounces of water you should be drinking every day. So for instance, if you weigh 180 pounds, you should be drinking 90 ounces of water per day, and more depending upon activity levels. It is absolutely crucial to abide by this rule while riding in the heat. Portable hydration systems can be your key to staying on top of your hydration and in control of your two wheels.
Our Facebook Fans, on June 28th, shared some additional great ways to stay cool in the summer months. To see their suggestions, check us out at www.facebook.com/teamarizona
