Hydrating whilst riding

pompeypoppy
pompeypoppy Posts: 182
edited June 2009 in Road beginners
When out cycling on Saturday I attempted to hydrate on the saddle for the first time.

In doing so I am getting more confident with reaching and holding the bottle and drinking, but still have some way to go.

Has anyone got some useful tips on cycling, particularly preventing wobbles whilst drinking?

Comments

  • themightyw
    themightyw Posts: 409
    pompeypoppy wrote:
    Has anyone got some useful tips on cycling, particularly preventing wobbles whilst drinking?

    Stick to the low alcohol stuff....


    More seriously, I find it much more 'stable' to take a drink while going up hill, and much harder when going down hill - you're more in control of your pace when pushing upwards. I'm sure it's just a question of practice though, to be honest. I also find it easy to grab the bottle, but harder to replace it without sneaking a quick peak. I'm sure after a while you get to know exactly where it is without looking.

    You can always use a camelbak if you really don't like reaching for your bottle.
  • will3
    will3 Posts: 2,173
    "Hydrating" ??? :lol::lol:

    FFS what were you 'hydrating'? Aqua?
  • keef66
    keef66 Posts: 13,123
    I grew up with water bottles on bikes, so it seems second nature to me. I tend to drink on the flat bits and drop the pace a little. Don't make the mistake I made when riding at night; I took the bottle from it's cage on the down-tube and after drinking tried to put it back in the cage on the seat-tube. I don't have a cage on the seat-tube; that's where the pump is, and I came perilously close to dislodging it into the rear wheel while descending at speed!
  • pompeypoppy
    pompeypoppy Posts: 182
    Is the trick to drink without pedalling, or is it still possible to pedal smoothly?
  • frenchfighter
    frenchfighter Posts: 30,642
    It is an easy thing to do and like most things will take a little time getting used to. You could even practice doing it tens of times at low speed on grass if you are worried (doing so on grass however will be harder than on the road as it is less even).

    Simply reach for the bottle smoothly with your primary hand (so right if you are right handed) while moving your right leg out to allow room.

    Have a firm grip but not a tensed arm holding the bars.

    Don't ride too close to the kerb (in general too) as by looking down and holding the bars with one hand you may veer into it (although it is more likely you will veer outwards, so away from the kerb, than towards it).

    Avoid doing it while descendinh until you are confifdent. Uphill is no problem but normally you will be going too hard to reach for it (lose momentum...) and you will likely be breathing too hard to drink properly anyway.

    Drinking is critical so make sure you don't avoid it.
    Contador is the Greatest
  • jonmack
    jonmack Posts: 522
    As others have said, on mellow ascents or on the flat is easiest. Just push your right knee out, reach down and grab the bottle with your right hand. I can manage it while still pedalling, on KEO black cleats (no float) and I've only been riding a few weeks, so it's just something you've got to get used to.
  • keef66
    keef66 Posts: 13,123
    At first you'll find you tend to stop pedalling as you concentrate on the bottle juggling. Once it becomes second nature you can keep on pedalling no problem.
  • Rich Hcp
    Rich Hcp Posts: 1,355
    On my roadie I use a bottle on runs less than 30 miles and I just don't pedal when reaching for the bottle (Water :D)

    On my MTB I just use a CamelBack Streamline (Also ok on the roadie) the bottle just gets covered in cr@p as soon as you hit the trails and also it's easy to reach a tube on your shoulder than a bottle on the frame

    Thats my choices
    Richard

    Giving it Large
  • eh
    eh Posts: 4,854
    Sounds a bit odd but ride faster. The faster you go the more stable the bike becomes, so you'll wobble less. It really isn't that hard, I mean if you can signal one handed then grabbing a bottle shouldn't be so hard.
  • CHRISNOIR
    CHRISNOIR Posts: 1,400
    I've been cycling for around three years now and it was only about six months ago that I noticed I automatically stop pedalling when reaching for a bottle and drinking. Like everyone's said a bit of practice and you'll be fine!
  • LittleB0b
    LittleB0b Posts: 416
    My tip - is core tension - tighten your core muscles as you reach down and drink - which keeps the rest of your body stable as your upper body and arms moves - and stops you swerving and wobbling so much. A bit of speed helps as well.

    oh and go find a deserted bit of road to practice on - and keep repeating until you feel confident.
    blog: bellevedere
  • Takis61
    Takis61 Posts: 239
    Tip I read recently, move your hand nearer the stem on the top of the bars - more stable - seems to work for me.
    My knees hurt !

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