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You’ve got the right gear (water pack, check), and you know you have to keep sipping throughout your ride. But keeping your body well hydrated starts with a strategy before you even hit the saddle.
Water regulates your body temp, helps transport nutrients throughout your body to keep your energy up, and is needed by your joints to remain well lubricated. Dehydration means you won’t be able to perform at your peak, but will also lead to headaches, dizziness and muscle cramps. Ouch!
For best absorption, sip a couple of cups of water four hours before your ride, then again two hours before you hop on your bike. It’s recommended that you consume the same amount per hour when riding in cool weather, and four times this when it’s hot. At the end of your ride, it’s important to replace lost fluids and electrolytes you’ve sweated out while conquering those trails.
A small snack within an hour of your ride is enough if it was a chilled outing. If it’s more intense, or longer than an hour, consider a sports drink that will give you a balance of fluid, carbohydrates and electrolytes.
Stopping to take in the view and crunching on a JOYA® apple will also do the trick. JOYA® apples have higher water levels than regular apples thanks to their slow-growing farming methods.
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