Quote Originally Posted by Graham Breeze View Post
I find once I am closer to 50 than 40 miles the ride starts to feel like work rather than pure pleasure - although I rode a total of 100+ miles last week - but that may be due to the sensitivity of my posterior.

I used to carry a "tool pod" where the second bidon would go but that obviously doesn't work on a two-bidon ride. A small rucksack is OK but then I fret about wind resistance. Problems problems!
There is a solution for this, as a lot of bikes don't have fixings for two bottle cages (I've never ridden one that has).

Hydration in sport is a serious subject, as even slight dehydration causes a significant reduction in power output. And it's not just running and cycling, as I first noticed it in fell walking where I 'lost interest' towards the end of a walk, and my then walking partner had a habit of falling over.

If your bike doesn't have two bottle cages, or you want to carry kit in the second one, I would recommend the extra large bottles. Below is a photo of two free, (if you spend more than 20 quid), bottles I have acquired over the last 10 years. I measured them last night, and the one on the left will hold 550ml if filled to the brim, whilst the one on the right will hold 800ml.



The good news is that the bigger bottle will fit a standard bottle cage, as pictured below



In very warm weather, or if you plan to ride over two hours, it is probably worth drinking 500ml before you start as well