Ive always been told that dehydration is a major concern for cyclists, especially in heavy traffic conditions, but how do you really know when youre dehydrated versus just feeling fatigued from battling through congestion? Are the symptoms of dehydration during a ride with a lot of traffic really as clear-cut as were led to believe, or are there other factors at play? For instance, can the increased stress and adrenaline from dealing with aggressive drivers or navigating tight spaces actually mask the symptoms of dehydration, making it harder to recognize? Or, on the flip side, can the physical exertion required to ride in heavy traffic actually exacerbate dehydration, making it more critical to monitor your bodys signs? What are the most reliable indicators of dehydration in these scenarios, and how can you differentiate them from other factors that might be affecting your performance?