Bad Body Responses to CWCT U24O

  My symptoms include lethargy, general aches and fluid retention. Apart from having to endure these sensations I'm annoyed because I reasonable fitness and have ridden similar distances on day rides,  with no problems other than a tender butt.  

I have ecperienced bloat at odd times, most notably treated ago after hiking NZ for four days,  This has been an  issue with me previously. After a four day hike in NZ a handful of years ago, I was left bloated. 

  Possible explanations are:-

1. Carrying a heavier load. 

2. Overdoing it prior to leaving home. 

3. Eating salty take away beforehand. 

4. Drinking too much/ not enough water. 

5. Being 60 years of age. 

6. Tour diet: cheese, crackers, lollies..

7. Sleeping on a 25mm  thick air mattress. 

8. Sleeping in a small sleeping bag. 

9. Camping in damp cold conditions.

10. A spectacular fall from my bike in the driveway after wards. 

Well points 3, 4 and 6 relate to a condition called salt sensitivity that I now understand I have.  

7, 8 and 9 all relate to hypothermia, including chilling of the journey which is already under stress as above.

1, 2 and 5 all relate to my age.  

10 relates to me being stupid/ Just unlucky.  


What Can I Do Differently?

Live my age.  My head and heart are willing,  and I get really pumped up and overdo things.  In future I'll be careful to get sleep before leaving,  by making sure preparations are completed days in advance .  On the ride itself,  I will slow down and take breaks to eat,  drink and relax each two hours.  

Avoid hypothermia by getting a thicker mattress, using a proper sleeping bag, being more selective over where I camp  Avoid mid-winter camping, if possible. 

Being salt sensitive is something I've only realised fully after the trip.  I just have to avoid salt laden foods and steer myself towards healthier options.  I'm making these changes in my diet already, with some encouraging early signs.  Determining correct fluid intake is  a thing I need to study more closely.  

Falling off  a bike is possible any time. But I really need to avoid charging down a wet muddy track at night with poor lighting.  


One thing I've clearly learned is that I really love cycle touring in more remote places,  away from traffic and too many people.  


   

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