Forum menu
Having failed the SDW at 65 miles on the 25th June, I'm having another bash on the 30th July
I was totally unprepared for the wet an muddy conditions I would appreciate some advice on hydration.
I'd like one of those ruck sacky things which you can put a bladder in and carry the weight low down on the lower back rather than the shoulders.
Suggestions...
I've had various Camel Baks - and still got two, one waist type too - but I still prefer the cage and bottle as you never know how much water you've got left in your 'Camel'.
There's enough taps on route to keep filling up that bottle. Trust me, I live 10 minutes from the SDW and have done it a few times in even the HOTTEST conditions.
Before you go ahead with the 30th July, I would check that the weather will be in your favour. That's dry and if there is a wind, it's NOT in your face all the way !
This is not an easy ride (as you now know) so you may as well enjoy it as much as you can. Great views and, generally, great trails (apart from that stupid 'new route' after Black cap to get you over the A27) and marked fairly well.
Good luck anyway.
I'm with Slider on this one and suggest you use bottle and cage despite using what I think you're after: a Wingnut pack.
After making it to QECP the taps are spaced about 10 to 15 miles apart so I'd just gulp a bit of water whilst resting at the taps then fill up and go, repeating at each tap...worked for me. Hate having loads of weight on my back and it's pretty demoralising to go from an empty and lightish pack to suddenly a heavy one so little and often is good for me. Plus bottles are easier and quicker to fill than bladders.
Good luck!
Some may not think they are of any use but I used Nuun tablets in my water when I did 84 miles of it 2 weeks ago. 40 miles more than I'd done before and I felt they made a real difference. I used a wingnut with 1.5 litres in it and enough food to last a week! I also had 2 bottles on the bike as well so completely over the top. I ate less than half the food I took and I don't think my water ever dropped below a litre so I'll carry a bit less next time. The wingnut is great though and even full doesn't seem like too much of a burden, far better than a standard pack IME. If you can get hold of a wingnut the Source 2 litre widepack fits very well and is very easy to fill wwithout having to remove it from the pack.
I'm doing it to. I take it there are no feed stops on the BHF randonee?
why not use a frame bag to house your bladder instead of it on your back and let the bike take the weight?
Don't forget there are many water taps on the route. You may not need as much water capacity as you think if you utilise these.
B