How much Water

[jethro10]

I'm trying to get an idea of how much water I'll need.
The reasoning being the person I'll be touring with reckons much less than I do, and it's heavy, although my test's show I'm right, well for me.
After a straw poll really, but realise different bikes, climate and fitness make a difference.
So:-
an 8 hour day, pedaling for 6 hours at approx 70% of your normal fast speed ability. Other 2 hours take up with touristy things and lunch etc.
UK temperatures, late may, early June probably.
Just an approximation wanted as to how much water you would consume at this time.

Thanks
Jeff

 

[rich p]

Me, a couple of bidons in normal June temps but there is usually somewhere to top up anyway. A shop, a house a public tap etc.

 

[mike1026]

I have always found it very difficult to obtain water on route. At times I have used suspect sources luckily without any ill effect so far. I have been looking for a solution and have found the 'Travel Tap'. I have not had a chance to use it yet but I should be able to use and filter sources from lakes, canals, rivers, and so on as well as suspect sources like from garages. I will do a report later in the year.
You can have a look at or buy the 'Travel Tap' from http://www.backpackinglight.co.uk

 

[Davidc]

If I'm out all day I take 2 x 750ml bottles. Used to be the same when I went touring (it's day rides now). It's adequate provided the temperature doesn't stray too much over 25 degrees.

I've never had trouble refilling if I've run dry. That's applied to England, France, Belgium, Netherlands, oh and Wales as well. All I've ever needed to do is ask.

 

[RedBike]

May/June could be red hot (doubt it). In which case you could be looking at 4 or 5 litres a day.

Obviously theres no way you can only carry so much . I would just take the 2 or if there's room on the bike 3x750ml bottles. If you need anymore than this you'll just have to stop and re-fill.

 

[psmiffy]

If I am on tour then normally 0.5l/hr in normal conditions

 

[Anthony]

For an average day on tour, I have 2 litres on the frame and another 2 litres on my rack. But this water is for cooking aswell.
I would have at least two bottles on my rack filled up.

 

[Brains]

Fit your bike for 3 bottle cages, then fill up all of them and see how you go. You will work it out after a couple of days.

Personally I've never really had a problem finding water in Europe, you either buy it, or get it free from bars, shops and petrol stations

 

[andrew_s]

2x750ml, and refill at the lunch stop

 

[just4fun]

If I am on tour then normally 0.5l/hr in normal conditions

+1

 

[jethro10]

Thanks folks,
Yeah, I was looking at 3-4.5l for the day and at least one day, I'll have to carry all of that as there wont be any shops.
so looks like I'm in the ballpark.
Jeff

 

[ASC1951]

Yeah, I was looking at 3-4.5l for the day and at least one day, I'll have to carry all of that as there wont be any shops.

I don't understand that - where on earth are you going?

It might seem obvious, but we can't live with without water. That means that you will find drinkable water everywhere there are people. I can't think of anywhere in Europe - and I've cycled a lot of it - where you would ever need to carry more than three or four hours water. Cycling all day with a gallon of the stuff sounds like madness.

Top tip for collecting cooking water at the end of the day - take a winebox inner. It packs to nothing, hold half a gallon and is surprisingly robust.

 

[jethro10]

I don't understand that - where on earth are you going?

There's lots n lots of places in central/north scotland where a days bike route wont go near any commercial/retail property.
Ok, I could knock on doors, but unless I'm desperate, it seems just a bit rude.

Jeff

 

[ASC1951]

There's lots n lots of places in central/north scotland where a days bike route wont go near any commercial/retail property.

Good grief, man, there is more of the stuff running off the hills there than almost anywhere on earth. I've walked all over Scotland for years, backpacking as well, and I've never needed to carry more than a few mouthfuls.

I can't think of anywhere in Scotland where you could go more than a couple of hours on a bike without passing a shop, a garage, or a reliably clean stream. Still, if pedalling a bowser does it for you....

 

[Davidc]

There's lots n lots of places in central/north scotland where a days bike route wont go near any commercial/retail property.
Ok, I could knock on doors, but unless I'm desperate, it seems just a bit rude.

Jeff

Why can't you knock on the door of domestic property if you need a bottle refilled?

I've done that in several countries, and the worst response I've had (only in England BTW) has been being told to pi$$ off. Normally people are more than happy to give you some water, but you do need to allow for ten minutes or so extra for a chat and a cup of tea/ coffee/ wine.