General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Drinking and eating on the bike Rss Feed  
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2014-04-16 2:00 PM


189
100252525
, Alabama
Subject: Drinking and eating on the bike
I cannot get the hang of drinking on the bike. Whenever I try I just wobble so much I can't get the bottle. On my long training rides I stop briefly every half hour to take a drink and a few bites of a power bar. The problem is I have a HIM in 6 weeks and I know I am not going to be able to refuel while cycling without having to stop. Am I an idiot or does anyone else have this issue? I had thought of getting aero bars just to put a bottle there with a straw to drink from but that is another cost of around £60-70. Any tips out there or do I just stop at every aid station? I am not trying to compete as this is my first HIM I am simply trying to complete.


2014-04-16 2:31 PM
in reply to: 0

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Champion
10668
500050005001002525
Tacoma, Washington
Subject: RE: Drinking and eating on the bike

Before reaching for a bottle, get your speed up a bit,  pedal smoothly and move one hand (usually your non-dominant hand) to the bar tops near the stem and keep a light grip there. Now reach for the bottle with your dominant hand, while either coasting or still pedaling smoothly. With your hand near the stem, it takes more hand force to cause the front end to wobble. You'll be more stable. Same goes for reaching into a jersey pocket -- move that non-dominant hand to the bar top.



Edited by briderdt 2014-04-16 2:32 PM
2014-04-16 2:47 PM
in reply to: briderdt


189
100252525
, Alabama
Subject: RE: Drinking and eating on the bike
Thanks, that may be the problem I think I have been slowing down to try maybe I need to try it when I am going a bit faster.
2014-04-16 3:10 PM
in reply to: NMS

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Subject: RE: Drinking and eating on the bike

Yes.  Easier to do when going a bit faster or even easier if you are coasting safely downhill.  You don't want to reach for anything if you ever need to touch your brakes though...so stress on "safely downhill."  The faster you go, the more stable you are.  The hardest thing to do is reach for bottles while climbing uphill and you need to hold your line.  Usually not a problem on training rides or triathlon races but harder to do when climbing a hill in a big pack.

2014-04-16 3:36 PM
in reply to: NMS

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Expert
3145
2000100010025
Scottsdale, AZ
Subject: RE: Drinking and eating on the bike

You are most likely drinking too much prior to getting on the bike. That's what often leads to my wobbling. 

2014-04-17 10:45 AM
in reply to: thebigb

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Expert
1244
100010010025
Subject: RE: Drinking and eating on the bike
Originally posted by thebigb

You are most likely drinking too much prior to getting on the bike. That's what often leads to my wobbling. 



probably the most off based post I have ever read "drinking too much" I shudder at the thought of that being real


2014-04-17 12:21 PM
in reply to: ajusf16

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Champion
10018
50005000
, Minnesota
Bronze member
Subject: RE: Drinking and eating on the bike

I absolutely think this is something you can learn with time.  Also, poor core strength really makes you push the handlebars too hard and when you remove one hand.  Try to hold yourself up with your core and not your hands.  I see myself do this in the early season a lot.

That said, you have a big race in 6 weeks.   I personally prefer to wear a hydration backpack (Camelbak, whatever) for long rides.  I did this in my HIM race.  It's not very "cool" but I was able to carry my entire fluid & calorie requirement without stopping and could drink along the way.  I felt totally in control.

Just a thought...

2014-04-17 12:32 PM
in reply to: NMS

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Member
1748
100050010010025
Exton, PA
Subject: RE: Drinking and eating on the bike
Originally posted by NMS

I cannot get the hang of drinking on the bike. Whenever I try I just wobble so much I can't get the bottle. On my long training rides I stop briefly every half hour to take a drink and a few bites of a power bar. The problem is I have a HIM in 6 weeks and I know I am not going to be able to refuel while cycling without having to stop. Am I an idiot or does anyone else have this issue? I had thought of getting aero bars just to put a bottle there with a straw to drink from but that is another cost of around £60-70. Any tips out there or do I just stop at every aid station? I am not trying to compete as this is my first HIM I am simply trying to complete.
[/QUOTE

You should work hard on this over the next 6 weeks. Coasting when you reach for your bottle is easier.

You also become a hazard on the road during the tri if you keep stopping. Not a big deal when there's a lot of room but if the coarse is congested on the shoulder is narrow you are now another obstacle(unpredictable one) that people have to ride around.

You are probably putting too much force into steering, once moving you barely have to hold on at all. The bike wants to keep going straight.
2014-04-17 12:58 PM
in reply to: ajusf16

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Master
1858
10005001001001002525
Salt Lake City
Subject: RE: Drinking and eating on the bike
Originally posted by ajusf16

Originally posted by thebigb

You are most likely drinking too much prior to getting on the bike. That's what often leads to my wobbling. 



probably the most off based post I have ever read "drinking too much" I shudder at the thought of that being real



On the contrary. I often wobble after drinking too much as well. Extreme cases have even involved nausea and vomiting. That was mostly in college though.
2014-04-17 3:31 PM
in reply to: NMS

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New user
21

Raleigh
Subject: RE: Drinking and eating on the bike
I just raced a HIM last weekend, and stopped three times to eat. I can drink on the bike (took some time, but the tips here are good ones), but I haven't figured out how to eat yet. It felt awkward the first time to just stop (and a few athletes asked if I needed help), but I'm glad I did. I can't imagine going the whole 56 miles without eating.

Just know that if you do decide to stop and eat in your race, you won't be the only one who's done it.
2014-04-17 4:01 PM
in reply to: writingrunner

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Veteran
439
10010010010025
Denver area
Subject: RE: Drinking and eating on the bike
I have one of these: http://www.trisports.com/speedfil-hydration-system.html

It holds 40 oz and has a straw that you can zip-tie to your bars.


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