My first Sweetwater ride in 2016 ended badly for me. The group I was riding with included cyclists that could pace line at 22mph. Given that I was knowingly capable of an 18mph pace on a flat asphalt surface at the time, I should have known that was a bad idea, especially on a very hot and humid day and hilly terrain. The plan was for the group to pull me, with the strongest riders circling back, if necessary, to pull me up. After all, it was only the 40-mile route. Given the performance gap, I overthought it. I elected to ride the preceding day in 90-degree heat. Expecting hot conditions on event day, I drank an entire bottle of plain water with two aspirin for good measure before the morning started. Being a cycling rookie, I carried vitamin water in my bottles. My early performance was strong. So much so that I thought I had a breakthrough. Then, I bonked hard entering Morgantown. I took a carb gel and just kept pedaling after the SAG, thinking it would pass. I have no memory of cycling for the next two miles (based on Strava and the crash point), riding in a semi-conscious state. I “woke up” when my tire hit the rider in front of me that had slowed to ride with me. I blacked out, free-fall in motion into the street. Fortunately, no vehicles were present. I cracked my pelvis, broke my helmet, and received some sporty road rash. The hospital emergency team quickly assessed my condition, started an IV, and ordered a whole-body CT scan since I couldn’t recall the day of the week and had searing abdominal pain. Hours later, I was released with paperwork identifying a condition I had never heard of: water intoxication with exercise-associated hyponatremia. It’s an electrolyte imbalance; the body is depleted of sodium and other essential electrolytes. The symptoms vary, including impaired judgment, passing out, or worse. National news carried a story the very same week in which an elite athlete died of the condition. Since then, I’ve taken care to understand proper hydration. Hammer Nutrition has a good read I recommend: SOS, Secrets of Success for Endurance Fueling. overh ydrating with plain water The moral of the story is that it’s crucial to always pay attention while riding with others who trust you to do so. Riding for 70 miles can be challenging, so it’s important to remain focused and mindful of the road’s edge and stay at least two feet away from it. 16 Arlene Gavin