While living and riding in high altitudes, this is a danger that Colorado riders are quite familiar with.  However, dehydration is a danger to motorcyclists, no matter where we live and ride. 

The act of riding (the wind, the sun, etc.) means we lose body fluids (through sweat, the act of breathing, etc.) at a greater rate than others on the road. 

The symptoms of dehydration start to set in when you lose just 2% of your fluids.  Here are some of the initial symptoms:

    * Thirst

    * Loss of appetite

    * Dry skin

    * Flushing

    * Dark colored urine

    * Dry mouth / Cotton mouth

    * Fatigue / Weakness

    * Chills

    * Head rushes

Once you hit the flushes, fatigue, weakness, chills and head rushes, your riding will DEFINITELY be affected -- reaction time, balance, and vision will all be impaired.

If you’re just out for a short ride around town, you probably don’t have to be concerned with this - but if you’re out on a road trip with your Honda Goldwing or Harley Bagger or Kawasaki Nomad (you get the idea), then you’d better drink some water whenever you stop to fuel up the motorcycle.

And keep your drinks to water or Gatorade, etc.  No caffeine.  Caffeine will actually contribute to dehydration.  So coffee and soda are out.

Think of it as preventative maintenance for yourself.  :-)

Ride safe.