Quote:
Originally Posted by Tim Cullis
. Nevertheless the 39C temperatures of Ouarzazate took their toll and on the road to Boumalne du Dades Alfie was complaining of headaches. He was fairly well hydrated but we stopped for sugary mint tea and I mixed up three rehydration sachets and more salt (really essential as salt encourages the body to keep hold of the water rather than passing it straight through).
After we got to the Todra Alfie could go no further--bad headache, lethargy, nausea. So even though it was only about 2pm I organised a room in Kasbah les Roches and off he went to sleep in the cool dark room. Later that evening he was much better and we cooled down in the freezing cold spring water of the Todra river and once we got used to the cold water we spent 30 minutes immersed in the stream cooling down our core body temperature.
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The first time I rode in Spain, I found I started developing headaches during the mid afternoon. It took me a couple of days to realise this was caused by dehydration.
Normally I seem to be able to take any amount of heat but I do naturally move quietly when hot. Over the last ten years or so I have become more susceptible to heat but in turn seem to be able to accept more cold than I used to. I used to find I would really come alive and feel great in 28-35 c but now much over 30c I really have to shed workloads dramatically. So now to avoid dehydration I make a point of stopping frequently from noon onwards, for not just a drink, but also to cool and rest. The head ache thing is for me the first warning that I have exceeded my design limits.
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