Long distance endurance Bicycling aka Randonneuing

I rode me road bicycle 11,865 miles last year then in late Dec 10 found out about RUSA (Randonneuring USA) The have routes called permanents up to 600k.  I am going for and R12 with is riding 200k (128 or more miles on one ride) every month for a year.  I have done 4 of them now, but the last one it was 94 degrees out.  I finish the 200k then had to go to the emergency room with dehydration.  Is my body unable at some point after been on the bicycle for 10 hours not able to absorb water or liquids any longer?  It seems like my RNY gastric bypass can't keep up.  The longest rides I have done so far in one ride is 186 miles.  I am afraid to go beyound this becuase I just can't seem to get enough food or water in for these long rides.  I have no problems with rides 100 mils and below. Rids over 100 miles is where I get into trouble. 

If any one can help I would really appreciate it, thank you.

Since people without WLS have the same issues, I would say it's not that your RnY prevents you from riding longer. That said, having a small stomach can make it more challenging. OTOH, I've done an Ironman so I've been out there 17 hour exercising at high intensity and didn't have a single issue with nutrition. So it can be done.

What I've found is that I need to drink a lot more often than most people. I can only get in 2-4 oz. at a time so I can't suck down the 4-6 oz. every 15-20 min. that is the standard recommendation. I also need to have slider foods for my nutrition so I can drink and eat at the same time.

The other thing I've found is that nutrition plans that work for shorter distances can fall apart at the longer distances. I found I had to add in electrolytes when I moved up from a Half-Ironman to the Full distance, for example.

Finally, the symptoms for overhydrating are often the same as for underhydrating so you need to keep that in mind. If you are drinking lots of water, you need to be taking in lots of electrolytes.

Wow thanks for all the help, LOL

 I have a question that goes along with this as well. I'm hoping to have RNY done this year and my husband is concerned that I'll hinder his bicycling when I start joining him more often afterwards. He is concerned that I'm going to have to stop every 5 minutes to drink or eat. I don't quite know how to calm his concern. He rides 20-50 miles without much problems. I'm hoping that once some of my weight is off I'll be able to join him more often. He enjoys bicycling and hiking but he's worried that I'll be holding him up after surgery by having to stop to drink. Any advice on what I can say to help relieve some of that concern he has? Thank you in advance. Amanda

he may have trouble keeping up with YOU

check out Jillian's blog
www.fattytoironmom.com

20 miles is not even worth me getting on my bicycle to ride, but that is enough about me.  You will have no problems drinking on the bicycle from water bottle or camel back.  Take power gels or bars for food.  I have my R12 and P12 and never have any problems keeping up with anyone.  2 weeks ago I came in 2nd place in a 65 mile bicycle race and my time for that was 3 hours and 5 minutes.  That is well over 21 mph average speed for the whole race.  That was all ages as well.  Good luck, sorry it took so long to answer I have been ridding my bicycle.

 Thank you for getting back to me. Congratulations on placing 2nd. I understand not replying quickly. Seeing how much you ride after having RNY gives me hope. As far as the comment about the 20 miles, I'm lucky if I can make it 5. My husband rides to & from work daily, he's only riding 20 miles those days so as not to take much time away from his family. Thank you again for your advice.