If you are taking a long ride on your bicycle this weekend with friends go for a relaxing tour of back roads and enjoy the scenery. You have to take an ample supply of fresh water in order to keep up your strength and stay focused. Water will be the most important item to carry with you. Don’t forget that the human body needs to be replenished with water to stay saturated at about 85%.

Research shows that a 50 to 60 mile bike run burns an average of 4000 calories depending on how fit you are and how hot the day is. There is more energy spent on hot days than mild or cools days. If you are traveling on hills or mountain trails, you will burn more energy than biking over level,even ground. Either way, you will require to pack enough water to take care of your needs.

A minimum of 2 one quart bottles are recommended by experts for a simple 60 mile run to slake your thirst. This does not take into account your own preferences and it is a good idea to take along more bicycle water bottles to make sure you stay hydrated for a longer trek. Long distance bicyclists sometimes equip themselves with water systems in back packs. Solo endurance, long distance bikers will often carry their own back pack water system and also sport water bottles to make sure they have an ample supply.

Back pack water storage systems come in different sizes to accommodate larger amounts of liquid. You can find 60, 72 and 100 liter packs. The 100 liter system needs extra support to stabilize the weight of the water. The better back packs come with a waist strap to help with this problem. You will never regret bringing extra water on your next bike trip. But, how much is enough water?

Often, if you are thirsty, or experiencing cotton mouth, you are probably in a mild state of dehydration. You can determine your water saturation point simply by noting the color of your urine. Is it clear? If it is, you are probably drinking enough water. If your urine is dark or cloudy, you should step up your water intake.

Dehydration can happen to you faster than ten minutes and can be the cause of muscle cramps. Cramping in turn may lead to unnecessary fatigue leading to irrational fear. The resulting diminished strength and can affect you to lose much of your complex motor skills.

When taking to the back roads for your next long ride, research your route, prepare your tool kit and remember to bring along lots of fresh, clean water in your bicycle water bottle.

Larry Wildems has been cycling for almost all of his 26 years. He has trekked and led many long ride bicycle treks across the United States and Europe. He has traveled through most of the countries of Central America and is planning a long trek across parts of China. You can find out more about sports water bottles and water delivery systems, bicycles and cycling accessories at his website: http://www.bicyclewaterbottle.net