Why don't MXers wear Camelbacks?

nikki · Feb 5, 2004

A discussion in the "what to bring for Reno" thread got me thinkin.... why do NO MX'ers ever wear Camelbacks?

Cramping? Extra weight? Restriction? Concentration? 15-35 min race isn't long enough to need it (in the 100+ degree heat I beg to differ!)?

I have never seen anyone at any local tracks with a Camelback, nor anyone on the pro scene aside from Travis Pastrana one time, but I think he crashed out anyways. Why wouldn't a MXer do the Camelback thing? I know when I'm at the line, I make sure to get one last drink before going out for 15 of the longest hottest most tiring mintues of my life. And on race day, I'm constanlty focused on getting proper hydration.

So.... what's the deal?

Smit-Dog · Feb 5, 2004

I'd bet that most MX'ers think the hassle, extra weight, and usefulness of a 6 pound CamelBak on their back outweighs the small (if any?) benefit of one last drink before the gate drops. It's only for 15 minutes, so I wouldn't think that one last drink would affect your body's hydration level that much. At that point, either you're properly hydrated or you're not. Your body can absorb only about a liter of water per hour.

Or.... the pros / fast amateurs have their mechanic/pit buddy at the line with them holding a CamelBak for the rider for a few extra, last minute drinks.

Keep in mind I've never raced MX...

holeshot · Feb 5, 2004

No breathing

Riding a late spring/early fall enduro in the Socal desert, you'll need a camel back (it might even save your life). But there are breaks when you can take a drink (hopefully).

Thing is, when you take a drink, you stop breathing for a few moments and concentrate on getting the fluid out, slowing you down for a short period of time. In a short, intense moto, with someone on your arse trying to pass, this would be undesirable. However, I have seen many Camel backs at GP races in the heat and even a few at motos in the warm months (but very few and only in the vet beginner class).

Michelle · Feb 5, 2004

As a non-mxer who's done one day's "racing" (using that term very loosely, I think it was more a pick the bike up, get outta the way, here's that corner again, whew, there's the flag) here's my thoughts. At a harescramble/enduro you're on the bike longer, you've generally got a chance somewhere to grab a drink. MX is intense & of shorter duration - you mention it's the longest 15 minutes. A 15 minute harescramble or enduro or trailride would be "I've been ripped off".

Whereabouts on a MX track would you be able to even think about drinking? (what I've seen & ridden I can't think of one place I'd have time/inclination). There's also plenty of time between races to rehydrate whereas at a harescramble or enduro you can't shoot back to the car to grab a drink.

Hope that makes some sense. Believe me, if I'd even had a camelbak on that day, the last thing I'd have thought about was having a drink. The first thing I usually do is have a drink & then I pick up the bike or turn the gas off depending on what sort of fall I've had.

Mully · Feb 5, 2004

My quick take on this.

An MX'r can take the second to reach up and pull a tearoff why not reach up for the hose to a camel back or whatever.

Once you are thirsty, it is to late. So why not drink befor you get to that point, even if it is Moto. <shrugs>

Mully

Okiewan · Feb 5, 2004

If you ride around with Nikdawg a camelbak would come in handy to wash the roost outta your mouth...

BEEF706 · Feb 5, 2004

To keep up with Nikki, I might have to have more than water in mine!

mx547 · Feb 5, 2004

never needed one.

the real reason most don't use one is the never-ending heckling that they would get from the other mxers.

WaltCMoto · Feb 5, 2004

With proper hydration at the start of the moto, it wouldnt be neccesarry.
When I run in the summer, sweating like a pig, I loose 3 pounds per hour. You can loose 5 lbs of water weight before dehydration sets in. So if you pay attention to staying hydrated all day, you should be fine for 45 minutes.

Danman · Feb 5, 2004

Once you are thirsty, it is to late. So why not drink befor you get to that point, even if it is Moto.

I agree. Trail riders also tend to be farthar away from a water source so they take one with me. I know that I'm not normaly thristy, but everytime I stop I take some tugs off the hose. I can't stand to fumble with it while riding or leave it in my mouth like some do. Even though I should. Not to say that its a bad idea for moto or anything. If I know that I will be doing hard riding or a race I start on Thursday and try to drink extra water. You need to stay hydrated, but it would proably be easier to hold out and hydrate heavly after the race even if you not thirsty or else you will be soon.

a454elk · Feb 5, 2004

I use one no matter where I ride, track or trail. Takes just a quick second to use the mouthpiece and it saves my old arse from running outta steam! And if ride fast enough, no worries about the hecklers, they'll have a great view of the camel back.

GETMETOCA · Feb 5, 2004

Last year I upgraded to the Camelback Mule 100 oz and I tend to drink it all. I figured out early on the MXers were'nt down with the hydration system, but then again I figured they'd spot my cambelback and my headlight and give me plenty of room when passing me on the track, so its all good.

Nikki, my guess is that there's really no need for an MXer to carry the baggage when they can just hop off the track and get a swig of something tasty back at the pits. Out on the trail, we might not get back to camp for 2-4 hours, so we better have some water with us. During an enduro, I don't like to stop and take a swig unless I'm on a fireroad or a straight trail or when I have a planned break. I cannot live without my hydration system, its one of the first things I would miss.

elf · Feb 5, 2004

As a mxer I have wondered about this. For me it would be usless. We usualy get 4 laps 1st moto and 3 the second.If your properly hydrated there is no way you can get dehydrated in 20 min. I think maybe for the pros it may be different.I read somewere dehydration can start after 25min. of intense exersize.Last summer at the millville national k-dub stoped for water and villimun pulled off the track and was treated for dehydration. So I would think for the pros it might be worth while.

tnrider · Feb 5, 2004

as someone that has done quite a bit of endurance running and bicycle racing - anything less than 45-min is not worth the hassle of a drink during the event. this is why you don't see 5k/10k runners drinking during a track race, while max time on the track is 30-min at a major effort level - run slower and you may need water... hydrate well the day before and day of the event. note that drinks with caffeine will dehydrate you - water is best. beware, drinking too much immediately before a start may cause you to need a pit stop...

jmics19067 · Feb 5, 2004

didn't Ty Davis have that little 20 oz pressurized can of water on his back for some moto's back when..... something about all you had to do was just bite down on the mouthpiece to get fluid instead of trying to draw it out

Wraith · Feb 5, 2004

If you ever wore one while on a track, you'd find out. They suck even worse if they are on a chest protector. Everytime you hit the slightest bump, jump or whatever, they go bouncing around. And then the CP just digs into your neck or wherever that much more. I've even tried it with half full camels.

ktmboy · Feb 6, 2004

Since I'm strictly trail, and usually away from the truck for 2-4 hr. stretches, I always wear my water-pouch and have the tube clipped to the front of my CP so that it's running from left to right, making it easier to reach across with my left hand to guide the tube up to my mouth without stopping. Sometimes you just need to be able to get a quick swig to cut the dust!

Can Can Kev · Feb 6, 2004

i wear mine in the heat of summer out on the track but out here in california it can get 100+ on any given day in the summer, it gets anoying haveing to pull off the track every 4 laps or so for a drink

holeshot · Feb 6, 2004

a454elk said:
I use one no matter where I ride, track or trail.

I see you've learned your lesson well, sacrificial Elk :joke: .

TheJunkMan · Feb 6, 2004

I use one for when I ride a Trials becuase that loop can get pretty looong.

Jaybird · Feb 6, 2004

I think y'all look good with those water bags :)

I'm more worried about a DNF than a DOW.
20 mins...sheesh come on folks.

Jeff Gilbert · Feb 7, 2004

The only time I've ever used one was during an Iron Man race at Lake Whitney. An hour in the 100+ summer temps on a motocross track is a long time to go without water.

motorhead434 · Feb 7, 2004

moto-crossers are too-hip too run hydration systems,there all LOOK at me,woudnt be cool if they were sportin' some trail rider geek motif (like quick straps or fanny packs)Its more important to spend money on trick hubs and rims or triple clamps and fun movers/motorhomes.HOW CRITICAL IS IT TO HYDRATE WHILE RACING WHEN YOU SIT AROUND 4 HOURS WAITING FOR YOURE 12 MINUTE MOTO ???

adbot · Feb 7, 2004

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MrLuckey · Feb 7, 2004

Jaybird said:
I think y'all look good with those water bags :)I'm more worried about a DNF than a DOW.
20 mins...sheesh come on folks.

Keep up with us more than 10 minutes at Turkey Bay next time and you'll be begging for water :moon:

Why don't MXers wear Camelbacks?

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