Hard Lessons...

[DDT (12)]

Hard Lessons...

Before the CCP took over and began exporting communism, political influence, chaos, and deadly viruses, and long before they began scattering falling space debris randomly around the planet, China produced some world-class philosophers. Much wisdom has been shared with the entire world from some pretty observant folks in that land of so much potential… Some of it has not been wasted upon this simple old rider dude with declining stamina, either…

I don’t recall now but I think the guy’s name was Lao Tze, and again because of my declining recollection abilities I’m going to have to paraphrase his words here a bit, but here goes anyway… “History does not repeat itself exactly, but those who fail to heed its lessons are harshly punished by repeating their errors…” That thought has been resonating rather loudly with this apparently not so stellar student of such things on this outing, and it pains me some to have to admit this… Alas, I reckon I’m only human too…

See, I’ve learned many, many things about traveling, trekking, shifting conditions, climate variations, and weather changes… and the need to make timely adjustments for one’s exposed carcass to all of that, particularly when aboard a scooter… My ‘history’ lessons have served me well with knowledge of a great many things… Unfortunately, much of that accumulated awareness seems to aid me more in quickly understanding where I’ve just screwed up, when it would better serve me by prompting well-timed preventive measures.

Anybody who has ever spent any time in the desert southwest knows of the need to always stay hydrated and to avoid becoming overheated, especially by being overdressed. Yep, I know that… I’ve read about it, thought about it, and I’ve experienced the effects of it. And I’ve been harshly punished for failing to heed the lessons learned on previous occasions… just like this time, for instance…

I hadn’t been drinking enough water, and I’d been slow to de-layer my apparel when it needed doing… It does tend to slip up on us. Combined with our own rationalization skills and mental inertia, plus the ease with which we can be distracted, all that conspires to allow us to foolishly ignore reality gradually overtaking us… at our peril!

I never got into any serious trouble, but I did become uncomfortable, tired more than I should have been, weak, and generally down-in-the-mouth… It detracted from my own enjoyment of the trek, but worse, it caused some unnecessary concern for my companions… Maybe I should have this stuff tattooed on my arms or something… That might not help too much, however, if I’m overdressed…

OK, I hadn’t planned to even wander out to Arizona this time in the first place… it just sort of happened. Second, I hadn’t anticipated I’d be doing any accompanied riding either. All of that was genuinely great, but it also made it much easier to avoid paying closer attention to my ‘knitting’… So once again I was reminded of lessons hard learned before and having to be relearned yet another time. Dang…

It all started out innocently enough… The ride to Kansas had been cancelled, and I was not at all eager to return to that danged ol’ recliner… I was reveling in this first in a long time unexpected coddiewomple opportunity, so I just wandered off in a more or less westerly direction, route planning to the extent there even was any was more guided by rain avoidance than by any destination or other target…

Threading the weather needle would happen to take us close to the home of the Pampa ‘Harvesters’, in the Texas panhandle, so I contacted ‘Valker’ to see if he might be around for some din-din someplace… Nope, he was out of town… Oh well, another time… More weather study and the total lack of any plan or need to be anywhere, left me thinking maybe we’d just continue over into New Mexico to see if we could remain dry and enjoy some scooterizing hither and yon there… We did…

One fine day, as we were happily gliding along some desolate stretch of road in the middle of nowhere, an idea popped into my thoughts from out of the blue… Maybe this might be a good time to go visit Dirty Dan again…? I contacted him and learned that, sadly, while he was home, he was also pretty much bed-ridden these days… That well-known trekker with a most impressive riding resume has advanced MS. He has been struggling with that for several years, and it apparently continues to exact a heavy toll on him… Yep, this would be a good thing to do, and a good time to do it… We made arrangements…

I happened to mention that sudden more or less spontaneous ‘plan’ in a post on our board, and meathead joined the conversation… He’d ride up to Kingman from Lake Havasu and join me for the visit with Dan… he did. We did have dinner together afterward, but he didn’t stay the night after all. While dining he expressed interest in returning the following morning with his grandson Brayden, though, and maybe they would ride with us back over to Payson, AZ, and an overnighter for them. Well, Okey-Dokey!

We had a fine ride, too. First to Seligman located on old Route 66 and a stop for a break… While there, one of those certifiable characters we are sometimes fortunate to stumble across joined us in conversation… and we had a great time with that! A crusty older dude with a side arm on his hip, lots of personality, and plenty of stories to share, so grins all around were clearly to be seen. Then we were off to find the cut away from I-40 down towards Prescott.

Rob, being a better student of some ‘history’ than I apparently am, had chosen to begin half an hour earlier than we’d agreed upon, in order to better stay ahead of the heat. Fortunately, I’d happened to be ready when they arrived, so that really worked to our advantage. We had a great ride all that day, although there were a couple of descents from the crest of the ‘rim’ that had brought us low enough to notice a sharp increase in temperature. Soon enough, though, we climbed right back up to cooler riding. I didn’t adjust my wardrobe but got away with it… until the very end…

Later in the afternoon when temps everywhere had risen and my careless cumulative lack of enough water intake combined with that final modest elevation drop down into Payson… and I ‘hit the wall’… similar to what a marathon runner experiences… By the time we made it to the motel, checked in, and parked, I was thoroughly done-in!

I quickly as I could began disrobing… Ahhhhh! Then it was time to guzzle all of the water I could hold stopping just shy of a full-on puke… Better! Now to unlimber the nap chair and get down to relaxing in the shade and nice breeze, then… possibly even taking a siesta… The snooze never happened, but some great conversation followed, and I continued to relax and drink lots more water.

When the sun had begun to sink low towards the horizon, we made our way next door over to Culver’s, a cross of sorts between an upscale hamburger joint and a restaurant specializing in fast but quite good food of many types. We all managed to overeat… Back to the shade at our rooms, and lots more tire-kicking and carrying-on was had… Finally the time came to reacquaint my head with a pillow, and some much-needed blissful slumber followed in short order…

The following morning, Rob, being ever mindful of local weather, was going to depart rather early… they did. I, on the other hand, was figuring to stay up on the ridge all the way back into New Mexico, so leaving that early wasn’t as important for me. I stood and waved as my friends rode off towards the ride down the rim into the ‘valley of the sun’, and I just hung around enjoying the cool and lack of hurried effort…

Soon they’d be soaking their sweatshirts to cool themselves down, while I’d be enjoying my Gerbings liner as an extra layer to keep warm… The greater differences between up and down out there are pretty big things, ya know… I also planned to drink lots more water throughout the day, as well… Yeah, I know, I’ve said that lots of times before… This time I really meant it, though… honest…

DDT

[Valker]

Great write up. I hope we can cross paths again. AND you don't have to be passing through Pampa. I was on a NW Arkansas ride when you contacted me. We can meet up elsewhere, although Pampa is one of my favorite places. (Amarillo has a restaurant that serves great grits. One of my favorites is Shrimp & Grits.

[RNFWP]

Reading that made me thirsty... now where did I put that water I was working on?   

[The emperor has no clothes]

Good read as usual my friend.  I must tell you, Brayden was mightily impressed with you ! Something I’ve observed about him over the years is his ability to absorb wisdom from people. He got his money’s worth that day. Thanks for being you ! (That guy in Seligman was a perfect addition to the VisionQuest) 

[Rams]

Bruce,
You have the unique ability to make me feel like I was there with you.   Wish I could have been there.
Regardless, thanks for the wonderful writeup.   It was a pleasure reading it.

See you on the road somewhere, some time.   For sure in Athens.

Rams

[Valkorado]

Fun read Bruce!

Desert heat.  Uggh.  Been there, done that.  More than once.  I love visiting Moab (note profile pic).  After our long winters I think it's the sheer joy of thawing the frozen marrow deep in my bones that lures me there -- like a moth to flame.

I love heat, I just don't tolerate it so well.    I have also learned some hard desert lessons and have suffered some hardcore dehydration and borderline heat stroke. I have a gel vest made for soaking, but seriously in that oven dry heat it's not doing much after a half an hour tops.  Chugging water doesn't cut it when it seems like you're sweating out your life and very soul.

This



is Lazarus powder, it brings ya back.  Medicinal.  Pour a bag in bottled agua and shake.  A bit spendy, but worth it's weight in gold.  The trick is, ya gotta pull over and consume some from time to time. 

Available at your nearest "backyard" Wal-Mart or the closest major supermarket.

Good to know you're out there getting parched once again.  Carry on!

[Hook#3287]

Bruce, as always, a great time reading of your adventures 

I installed water bottle holders made for bicycles on the handle bars of my bikes.  I purchase a water bottle with the pull top and refill it as needed.

It's always available and even if the water is warm, warm is better than none.

[DDT (12)]

Eric,

Hated not seeing you... again! Last time through we were unable to hook-up either... I ain't giving up, though, so be advised.

Shrimp & Grits! Even though I'm a product of dear old Dixie born and raised down in the land of sand, palm trees, moss in the trees, and folks who say y'all a lot, I was retired before I'd ever even heard of that genuine treat! I've been eating both my entire life, but I'd never heard of such a combo. Probably just the result of a sheltered upbringing...

Anyway, in an out-of-the-way restaurant in South Carolina once upon a time, I noticed 'Dinner Grits' on the menu one evening... I inquired... Grilled shrimp served over a bed of dinner grits, I was told... Dinner grits? Yep, we make them with 'half & half', but some folks use cream to make the grits instead of water... I tried it... and the rest is history!

So, even though you live in the heart of cow country, I'd be delighted to dine on such if that suits you! Let's plan on it! Well, maybe I won't find it so easy to actually plan anything, but... you know... Looking forward to eventually joining you for some serious jaw muscle work-out sometime...

DDT



Ross,

I strongly encourage you to find that water jug! Not so urgent where you are, but still essential even in a swamp! Have you ever ridden out here? A whole nuther experience for sure, but well worth the time and effort to make a trek! You'll not only need to find your water jug if you do come, though, you'll also need to keep a firm grip on it at all times... and use it constantly! Hard to do while riding, I know, but perhaps a neck strap might be helpful... Hmmm, might even give that a try myself... Cheers!

DDT



Rob,

Thanks!!! One of the great joys of my life is the contact with people that I have... I don't seek the echo-chamber of keeping only to myself or to interacting only with those like me... No sir! The more different people appear to me, the more I'm drawn to them...

Desert folk are a curiosity I find fascinating! Their mindset, outlook on life, perspectives on communal living... or isolation, everything about them is unique to someone with my background, so... I can't seem to get enough of it! That character in Seligman typified that contrast for me, so I found our brief contact with him to be absolutely golden!

Your background is also rather interesting... Born into a family in extreme southern Texas, growing up in Alaska, of all places, then riding a bike all around the lower 48 before joining the Navy and traveling to the far-east... You settled in west central Arizona 'below the rim', so the range of your life's experiences have been widely varied and, to me anyway, astoundingly diverse! Brayden seems to be cut from that same eclectic bolt of cloth...

All in all, the little time we shared was fabulous and very much what I look for most in my travels! Thanks to you and Brayden for spending some of your precious time with this aging student of life and curious observer of humankind... I appreciate y'all, my good friends!!!

DDT



Ron,

Thanks, my friend! I do appreciate the flattering words... Besides the enjoyment of a rather simple life aboard our girl wandering around North America, I also enjoy reliving it by trying to capture my experiences in writing... To have that joy of mine appreciated by others is a huge bonus! Thanks!

Our ride was very much looked forward to by this usually solo trekker. It wasn't so much the where or what we were anticipating, it was the quality time we would share that had me wanting to make that ride. Truth be told, however, I'm not all that broken up that it didn't happen... partly because I know there will be another time, but mostly because what unexpectedly happened instead has been so grand!

Don't fret the missed opportunities, old buddy, eagerly anticipate all the wonderful surprises that will be coming your way instead! Many, perhaps most, of my prayers have been favorably answered by me NOT getting what I'd thought I'd wanted! Life is an amazing experience... proud to be here!!!

DDT



Seth,

The stuff seems vaguely familiar to me... I reckon others might have suggested it, too. I don't recall ever trying it myself, though, but it sure appears to be something with which I need to experiment. Thanks for the heads-up!

You are another of those interesting characters to me... Enough of a  difference in our backgrounds to intrigue me but familiar enough to make conversation easy and rewarding... I'm looking forward to sharing some asphalt with you again in that incredibly beautiful area in which you've chosen to put down roots. Thanks for the advice, kind words, always insightful observations... and thanks for just being you! I appreciate ya, my friend!

DDT



Bill,

As I've said above and at other times, as well, I really appreciate good feedback and positive reviews of my postings! You're always good about that, and it truly is appreciated... thanks! I've considered putting a drink holder on our girl countless times over the years... and I've always intended to do just that, or at least have it done... Alas, it's just another of those things I simply haven't gotten around to. Some have speculated I just may be a procrastinator... I wouldn't know about that myself; I haven't gotten around to investigating that yet...

DDT

[..]

You can take the DDT to water................................................

https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle-hydration

[..]

On my various bikes I have fitted a bicycle water bottle carrier to the handlebar/shield/mirror in some rudimentary fashion. Freeze a suitable container of water and sip as you go.

Wide neck and you can fill it with ice and water at gas stops.

[..]

Fill with ice and water at the motel. Put in freezer over night. Put in saddlebag and every time you stop you'll have some cool water.

https://www.amazon.com/Bubba-Trailblazer-Vacuum-Insulated-Stainless-Bottle/dp/B0854FQPZ3/ref=sr_1_20?dchild=1&keywords=32%2Boz%2Bwide%2Bmouth%2Bbottle&qid=1620830164&sr=8-20&th=1

[Wizzard]

Great read Bruce and thanks for taking the time to write.
I remember pulling into Seligman  once after a long hot ride and downing 2 quarts of beer non stop then switching to water for the eve.
Great memories.
It was 114 that day.

[Valker]

Bruce-here is the menu from the Amarillo restaurant I'm talking about. You'll see Shrimp & Grits here. https://img1.wsimg.com/blobby/go/d2669113-d6c7-4e91-961e-bae6aa0908be/downloads/Curbside%20Lunch%20Dinner%20.jpg?ver=1618082561357

Also, on the drinking enough water. My water bottle is a 32 oz Gatorade bottle which is covered in a double layer of old wool hiking sock. Put the bottle into the sock all the way, use a zip tie around the opening of the bottle, then fold the extra sock back over the bottle. The wool sock hold water if you can wet it anywhere which keeps the bottle cool and shaded from the sun. Wish I could post pics here! I carry it on top of the triple clamp flat spot and hold it loosely in place with a bungee. Always easily reached while riding straight roads.

[..]

Wish I could post pics here!

https://postimages.org/

Create an account using the SIGN UP box top right.

Create a new gallery by clicking on the box towards the top left

Upload photos. Do a max of 4 to 8 at a time or it can take too long.

Once uploaded put your cursor on the image you want to put on the VRCC forum

Now move your cursor to the symbol to left of the trash bin symbol
Click on it
Now copy the "Hotlink" for forums.

Now go to the VRCC post you want the photo to appear in and right click and paste.

Once you then post your comment the photo should appear for all to see.

[The emperor has no clothes]

Bruce-here is the menu from the Amarillo restaurant I'm talking about. You'll see Shrimp & Grits here. https://img1.wsimg.com/blobby/go/d2669113-d6c7-4e91-961e-bae6aa0908be/downloads/Curbside%20Lunch%20Dinner%20.jpg?ver=1618082561357

Also, on the drinking enough water. My water bottle is a 32 oz Gatorade bottle which is covered in a double layer of old wool hiking sock. Put the bottle into the sock all the way, use a zip tie around the opening of the bottle, then fold the extra sock back over the bottle. The wool sock hold water if you can wet it anywhere which keeps the bottle cool and shaded from the sun. Wish I could post pics here! I carry it on top of the triple clamp flat spot and hold it loosely in place with a bungee. Always easily reached while riding straight roads.

That is an excellent idea with the sock. As to the proper hydration. I don’t want to speak for Bruce, but for me the problem is 2 fold. I wear a full face, it makes it hard unless I use the camelback. Really the problem is not about knowing I need it, but thinking I’m ok for the time being. As I was telling Bruce the other day, it saved me to and fro from Roanoke. I probably should have it with me all the time.

[Wizzard]

If you ever have kidney stones you wont forget to drink your water. I know.

[..]

If you ever have kidney stones you wont forget to drink your water. I know.

  

[Bronxboy]

I just added a few more cubes to my Scotch, like u said, very important to stay hydrated 

[DDT (12)]

Folks,

Some solid sounding advice there! Thanks... I always have water and/or Gatorade with me. My problem is actually thinking to drink the stuff timely. Oh well... BTW, I have done much better the last few days, and I've felt so much better for it!

Having a wonderful ride across the southern portion of Oklahoma, meeting really friendly folks, enjoying the two lane roads, small towns... The rain, and there has been some around the past couple of days, has been off away from us, so while it has made me a bit anxious on occasion, it never really has threatened us. Just living large and loving life!!!

We've continued to dispatch lots and lots of bugs to the Creator... Not certain He wants them either, but that's not for me to say. Anyway, I'm at least doing my duty. Also finding some bacon now and then in unexpected places...

Just this morning we pulled into the usual type of convenience store/gas station with a deli this time for a much needed break... Like the one in Mississippi, actually, but they didn't actually offer orders of bacon either. The nice ladies behind the counter 'colored outside the lines', though, just for this sad looking rider, and I enjoyed another double order of 'Porky's finest'! Life can be so very good!!!

Nick, I see you are as conscientious as ever! Glad you're doing what you can to take in more water yourself... and setting a fine example for the rest of us! See you in a couple of weeks, old buddy... Not sure just when or where yet, but... most likely sometime someplace!

DDT

[hubcapsc]

We've continued to dispatch lots and lots of bugs to the Creator... Not
certain he wants them either, but that's not for me to say.

 

-Mike

[Hook#3287]

Some have speculated I just may be a procrastinator... I wouldn't know about that myself; I haven't gotten around to investigating that yet...

Yeah, I understand.

My father would tell me I was a procrastinator.  I didn't know what that meant.

I would think, I should look that up.

Then I'd think, naw, I can do that tomorrow.

[Sweet Cheeks]

Great write up Bruce.  I finally arrived in Colorado today and am thoroughly enjoying my recliner and having my pup in my lap.  It was pretty nice seeing the hubby again too. 

[DDT (12)]

Mike,

We're just trying to make a difference the best way we can...    

DDT



Bill,
Kindred spirits in more ways than one!!!    

DDT



Janice,

You continue to impress those of us who follow your exploits! That was some road trip you just completed, and I'm mighty glad one of your stops was in Montgomery to visit with us. I reckon some folks like that recliner lifestyle, but for folks like us, it's only good when we're tuckered out and for only very brief periods... Do you know which group you belong in yet? I have an idea you just may be in your own special category all by yourself... Say Hi! to the puppy for us... maybe hubby, too...    

DDT

[cookiedough]

for those lucky enough to have a Costco nearby,  this big 64 oz jug is a good value and one of best made and holds enough water for a full day of riding or hiking, etc.  easily.

https://www.costco.com/reduce-64-oz.-stainless-steel-growler.product.100688768.html

I like the description says good for BEER,  LOL  and supposedly does not hold smells inside of old beverages inside prior.  

not sure if going to buy one though.  I have several igloo thermos plastic water/liquid containers about the same size in the basement never use them much either.

My wife keeps buying the 12 to 16 oz. stainless steel mugs think we have enough in the house now also.

I know I do not drink enough water daily never have, but should.  I am lucky to drink 16 oz. of water per day and know that is not good, but my 12 oz. diet coke helps some right?  I use to have a physical job where I walked 10 miles per day and even then was lucky to drink 24 oz. of water per day on top of my usual one diet coke.  You know you are low on water if your pee is dark yellow which it always is as well as when I do drink water I drink it pretty fast and it tastes oh so good when I do when I direly need it.  A guy I worked with at that physical job actually forced me to drink my 12 oz mug a few times per day and would not let me leave until I drank all the water from it since I had an episode once not feeling well. 

[Jess from VA]

I just take two bottles of Aquafina (purefied Atlanta city water) in my bags.  One cold and one frozen (for later). 

I get hydrated enough, but I just won't ride in high heat (or cold).

My big kryptonite however, is eating a big lunch and then returning to the ride.  Thirty minutes later, I am falling asleep at the bars (esp in warmth).  It's better to be hungry than sleepy. 

But I've been on a couple Valk group rides where the collective lunch would probably feed the 5th fleet.   

[..]

for those lucky enough to have a Costco nearby,  this big 64 oz jug is a good value and one of best made and holds enough water for a full day of riding or hiking, etc.  easily.

https://www.costco.com/reduce-64-oz.-stainless-steel-growler.product.100688768.html

I like the description says good for BEER,  LOL  and supposedly does not hold smells inside of old beverages inside prior.  

not sure if going to buy one though.  I have several igloo thermos plastic water/liquid containers about the same size in the basement never use them much either.

My wife keeps buying the 12 to 16 oz. stainless steel mugs think we have enough in the house now also.

I know I do not drink enough water daily never have, but should.  I am lucky to drink 16 oz. of water per day and know that is not good, but my 12 oz. diet coke helps some right?  I use to have a physical job where I walked 10 miles per day and even then was lucky to drink 24 oz. of water per day on top of my usual one diet coke.  You know you are low on water if your pee is dark yellow which it always is as well as when I do drink water I drink it pretty fast and it tastes oh so good when I do when I direly need it.  A guy I worked with at that physical job actually forced me to drink my 12 oz mug a few times per day and would not let me leave until I drank all the water from it since I had an episode once not feeling well. 

IF you are determining the color in the toilet bowl don't forget it's been diluted by the water!!!!!

IF it looks dark at that time you will need to drink more fluid not caffeine, over the next couple of days to fully rehydrate.

[Rams]

Ron,

Thanks, my friend! I do appreciate the flattering words... Besides the enjoyment of a rather simple life aboard our girl wandering around North America, I also enjoy reliving it by trying to capture my experiences in writing... To have that joy of mine appreciated by others is a huge bonus! Thanks!

Our ride was very much looked forward to by this usually solo trekker. It wasn't so much the where or what we were anticipating, it was the quality time we would share that had me wanting to make that ride. Truth be told, however, I'm not all that broken up that it didn't happen... partly because I know there will be another time, but mostly because what unexpectedly happened instead has been so grand!

Don't fret the missed opportunities, old buddy, eagerly anticipate all the wonderful surprises that will be coming your way instead! Many, perhaps most, of my prayers have been favorably answered by me NOT getting what I'd thought I'd wanted! Life is an amazing experience... proud to be here!!!

DDT

Bruce,
As Garth Brooks sang:  https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=unanswered+prayers&view=detail&mid=F02D82F0772C274C475DF02D82F0772C274C475D&FORM=VIRE0&ru=%2fsearch%3fq%3dunanswered%2bprayers%26form%3dANNTH1%26refig%3d6afc5962cda949dfbcb9bcf70cc4b126%26sp%3d3%26qs%3dLS%26pq%3dunanswered%2b%26sk%3dPRES1LS1AS1%26sc%3d8-11%26cvid%3d6afc5962cda949dfbcb9bcf70cc4b126

Also applicable to our adventures on two or three wheels.   

Rams

[DDT (12)]

Cookie,

Nice looking jug! A bit bulky for my application, I think... still... Yeah, I also have several of the stainless sixteen ounce jugs, too... One (a Yeti) even given to me by Merida, the fab cook Punisher used to live next door to. Now if I could just get a holder installed... Alas, my problem doesn't appear to be lack of containers or even lack of knowledge of the need... It's the whatever to actually drink often enough! Oh well, proper equipment is essential, but nothing will compensate for lack of good judgement!

DDT



Ron,

Yep, unanswered prayers... or at least answers we thought we didn't want. True, we did miss out on that particular ride together, but there will be other opportunities... So, we truly didn't miss out on anything... we just postponed the adventure and delayed gratification! Might be in the Fall, though... we're about to enter the 'No-Go' time when I avoid Kansas... as you well know, it can get unbearably hot out there!!! BTW, Garth Brooks has produced some of my favorite music!!!

DDT



All,

This adventure continues, and my joy at being back out here again continues to soar! Aside from the dehydration issue, there have also been a couple of other issues pop-up to remind me of lessons learned previously but not put to rest... Oh well, I never said I was a pro... Nope, not even a talented amateur, just an ordinary hacker proving conclusively that boo-boos can and do get repeated!!! I still love it so...!!!

DDT

[Bret SD]

"This adventure continues, and my joy at being back out here again continues to soar! Aside from the dehydration issue, there have also been a couple of other issues pop-up to remind me of lessons learned previously but not put to rest... Oh well, I never said I was a pro... Nope, not even a talented amateur, just an ordinary hacker proving conclusively that boo-boos can and do get repeated!!! I still love it so...!!!"

Hey Bruce, great writing as always!

Don't forget to put a pinch of pink salt or sea salt in your water, otherwise you just pee it out.

These are also a really good thing to take along on a hot day, I keep some around to deal with cramps in case I over train, they release cramped muscles in literally a few minutes and they don't come back. Sweating will deplete mineral salts.

 https://www.vitacart.com/bio-plasma-bioplasma-hylands.html

[Wizzard]

I suspect that Bruce gets plenty of minerals and salts in what he eats. Just saying

[scooperhsd]

I always go by the rule "If you ain't pissing, you ain't drinking enough"..... At least in hot weather outside activities...

[Wizzard]

Exactly and I keep drinking till what I am peeing is clear

[Bighead]

Good read as usual Bruce. I keep one of these in my saddle bag on every trip. Fill it with ice at the motel in the am and top it off with water and it will stay Ice cold and last all day. 
https://www.yeti.com/en_US/drinkware/jugs/gallon/YRAMONEJUG.html?dwvar_YRAMONEJUG_color=brick-red&cgid=jugs&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_content=__iv_p_1_g_48833758201_c_454694014781_w_kwd-299608404878_n_g_d_m_v__l__t__r__x__y__f__o__z__i__j__s__e_108446052173_h_9012700_ii__vi__&gclsrc=aw.ds&utm_id=google_812040844_48833758201_454694014781_kwd-299608404878_m&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIvsbQ1OnR8AIVvuzjBx0vjwk6EAAYASADEgJ6BfD_BwE

[DDT (12)]

Barry,

Thanks for the suggestion! That looks like a serious beverage totter!!! A bit large for me, though... not because it carries too much, but because space on our girl is very limited, due to my tendency to overpack, even after all these years...

When I do venture out, though, I go prepared for any conditions, since I never know how long I might be out or where all I might wander... Heck, one year I left for IZ and ended up in Alaska before returning to the hacienda in Florida... No sense in getting out west then having to return home in order to reload and continue to some previously not considered target... or, having to buy all new stuff out yonder some place just for the extended ride...

Anyway, it's good to hear from ya, amigo! Been too long... Say, are you going to make the Hillbilly Highways Ride soon? Hope so, and if ya do, you can let me take a gander at your jug... Might just have to make some 'arrangements' after all...

DDT

[Bighead]

Not gonna make that one Bruce. The wife also has that time off and wants to take a ride. We will probably be close to you guys maybe we will cross paths.

[DDT (12)]

Barry,

Understood! Hope our paths do cross... I've never met your spouse before... you sure she's ready for us?

DDT

[Bighead]

Well she met Joe and Gordon a couple times and survived

[DDT (12)]

SHE'S ready, then!!! 

DDT