question

[lexi]

I'm planning a long ride - Sydney to Adelaide - and was wondering, for a ride of that length...should I take some form of electrolyte to keep myself healthy and my energy levels up?

[bianchi928]

Hi Lexi,

We rode across Vietnam (900km) in hot humid conditions and quite a few large climbs.

We used the "Shotz" tablet in our water bottles and I recommend them.

Cheers

[lexi]

Thank you very much Bianchi. Boy Vietnam would have been difficult in that hot and humid climate.

[s-s-a]

IMO it depends what time of year you are doing it, and how extreme the number of hours you are spending in the saddle each day.
If you are having decent meals and not riding in the height of summer then I don't think you'd need it.
If you are riding pretty much all day (ie lunch = energy gels or bars) or riding in temps over 30 degrees then probably.

PS. Electrolyte won't keep your energy levels up unless there is also carbos/glucose in it as well.

Usually in summer or if I'm not going to be eating I use Powerade and water it down a little. I am doing a ride in the tropics next month and will be using Nuun which is electrolyte only, so I will also be carrying energy bars and some Powerade powder.

Steph