proper hydration

sunnysang said:

Funny question, but when do you know your properly hydrated?

Pay attention to the color and quantity of your urine. It should be lightly straw colored and plenty of it every day. Certain vitamins including those in popular energy/recovery drinks can alter the color till it glows, but in general dark urine is a slam dunk sign of dehydration. Dehydration is a bad deal for athletic performance, but just to make it difficult overhydration can lead to hyponatremia or an excessive loss of electrolytes, particularly sodium. For that reason it pays to drink both plain water and some form of electrolyte drink especially if you work out in a hot, humid climate.

Other signs of dehydration include headaches and constipation neither of which help you go faster on the bike. Try not to let it get to that point.

sunnysang said:

Funny question, but when do you know your properly hydrated?

Another trick is to weigh yourself before and after a ride. The difference will be mostly fluid loss. Assumes you are well hydrated before you start of course. But gives you some idea of whether you are drinking enough.

when you feel thirsty ?

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pistole said:

when you feel thirsty ?

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That's actually too late. Needing to pee on a ride is good sign.