Quoted message said:On vacation travel over lonely roads I honk and wave at bicyclists in a friendly fashion. Last
week traveling through SE Utah (in our camper van) and chatting with a cyclist in the same
campground I realized the obvious: they often have trouble carrying sufficient water. Since
then instead of just passing the rare cyclist on remote roads I stop and suggest they fill up
from our supply - especially on hot days or a long ways between stops (as US 50 in Nevada).
Fpund much appreciation for water as well as for a couple of minutes in the shade of the van!
My suggestion is that we all be aware of this and be prepared to do likewise. Could be me
sometime!
A reasonable and appreciated idea, particularly if you have a sense there has been a headwind or
extreme heat, or also a holiday like 4th of July when stores are closed.
I had the "offered water" phenomen happen to me at least half a dozen times when I rode around
Australia, though only once or twice in North America (I've ridden US 50 across Nevada). A few
factors helped for Australia vs. Western US
-- distances between known water stops in north of Australia was up to 265km, vs. 125km on
US 50 in Nevada. Some of those water stops at roadhouses sold water at $ more expensive than
equivalent gasoline or had salty bore water. -- in some places, there is only one sealed
road. Hence, caravaners may pass you a few different days since they occasionally stop to
camp for a day or two and then you pass on your bicycle. -- I was told by one caravaner or
"gray nomad" (similar to the "snowbird" phenomenon in USA except more nomadic), that many of
them were of age to have children and would pass me on my bicycle and think, "that could be
my son/daughter".
Since then, I've come to appreciate that more. At the same time, as a cycle tourist I think it is
foolish to set off without sufficient water to get through most situations. A base guideline that
worked for me in Australia was 1 liter per 20km plus 2 liters for an overnight. Hence, that meant in
the 265km gap, I started off with 16 liters of water (a little over 4 gallons). If I knew it was
going to be warm or windy, then I'd add to my guideline. I would also try to ride in such a way to
avoid any extreme heat in the afternoon. One of the useful things I picked up in Australia was a
water bag... essentially the inside of one of those "wine in a box" containers, but empty and then
to be filled with water. A lightweight container that folds away but can carry up to 6 liters if
necessary.
--mev, Mike Vermeulen
