Cycling notes: resist the temptation to take liquids while riding – archive, 1895

29 April 1895: Constantly drinking can cause uncomfortable heat while riding, plus tips on hill climbing and using a hairpin for small repairs

Many cyclists, especially beginners, are troubled by a tendency to get exceedingly hot when riding. This is, of course, usually a sign of want of condition, and will disappear when the rider gets into form. Sometimes, however, it remains, and this generally means that the cyclist has got into the bad habit of constantly drinking, than which nothing is more calculated to cause uncomfortable heat. It is in the beginning that this tendency should be overcome. The novice should resist the temptation to take liquids while riding, and, if possible, the annoying general thirst that will probably afflict him during the first weeks of his cycling, moving him to get up in the night and empty half his water-jug.

There is no necessity to go to extremes, however. I knew a beginner who was so determined to get into form quickly that he gave up nearly every sort of liquid, and inflicted unnecessary tortures on himself by reducing all drink to three-quarters of a pint in the 24 hours in summer, and at a time when he was cycling constantly. The limitation had no ill-effects – on the contrary, that cyclist is to-day absolutely impervious to thirst, – but a reasonable amount of restraint would suit most riders better. It is certain that no one who gives way to this habit of cultivating a seven-and-sixpenny thirst every time he goes out for a ride will ever become a really proficient cyclist.