• Save your life? Maybe.
• Keep you from falling over on the side of the trail? Yes.
• A good thing to have on long rides? Absolutely.

So what am I referring to? It is a great idea to carry an extra full water bottle with you on your longer rides. This little tip has helped me through some of the most brutal rides I can remember. On a normal ride, I will carry my 100oz bladder full of water. This is normally perfect on any ride that I have done previously or I know will not end in a do or die feeling.

On rides that I know I will be pushing my limits, I bring an extra water bottle with me for that last push.

What Do I Put In This Extra Bottle?

Almost always…not water. During these long rides your body is depleted of necessary nutrients that plain water can not replenish. I normally fill this bottle with Gatorade or a recovery type drink like Fluid. These drinks provide the elements that water alone can not.

One of the most important is salt. As all of you already know, you secrete massive amounts of your bodies salt content through perspiration…especially on long rides in the heat of summer. This salt needs to be replaced and can be done so through energy drinks or tablets. I prefer to go through the drink routine.

Why Not Carry This In Your Bladder?

I find that water quenches my thirst better than a flavored drink. By carrying water in the pack and the energy drink separate, I get the best of both worlds. It also keeps your bladder cleaner. If I do add any flavored drink to my packs bladder, it is heavily diluted.

When I carry flavored sports drinks in the bottle, they are full strength to have the best impact, and then I always have pure water on hand.

Where Do I Carry This Extra Bottle?

I have seen most riders carry their bottles on water bottle cages mounted to the frame. Several of my bottles have made it to unknown places on the sides of singletrack by coming loose and flying off the bike. For this reason, I like to keep my reserve fuel in my pack. This also keeps the bottle clean and clear of any dirt or debris from the trail. No one likes to get a mouth full of dirt when they are dying for a cold drink.

So How Will This Tip Save Your Life?

Saving your life might be an extreme…but it is possible. This extra fuel for the ride has really helped me out over the years with pushing my perceived limits. It also helps you out with the unexpected. On a ride last year, I stepped on a trail side bee hive and received six fast stings to multiple places on my body. Since this was a shuttle run, we had no choice but to push forward. Between the extra fluids and food, we were able to get to the car without issue. For more on what happens to your body when you do not stay hydrated…check out this post on staying properly hydrated.

When Do I Need To Carry An Extra Water Bottle?

• Long rides
• Extra hot or humid days
• Rides where you start off feeling a little off

Obviously, you do not need to pack everything but the kitchen sink on all of your rides. I normally carry the water bottle on rides where I know there is a chance I might need it. A little extra weight for some piece of mind is a great trade off in my book.

So next time you go ride one of your weekend epics, try this tip out. You will probably be surprised with the results. If nothing else…you’ll finish stronger.