Being an avid cyclist, replacing electrolytes lost due to sweating is a must.

During any given workout or long ride, I can loose between 1-2 lbs in water weight.

I used to drink a lot of premixed “sport drinks” for replacing electrolytes, but over time I have found them to be too sweet, leaving me with an unpleasant after taste.

When I’m riding outside, I tend to carry as much of what I need for the ride, especially on long 60 – 100 mile rides. Nothing like being stranded somewhere far from home needing something and not having it.

Space comes at a premium so I have to choose wisely.

Carrying all of the sport drinks I need to replace electrolytes is not very practical.

Water weighs in at just over 8 lbs per gallon. On some rides I can drink almost 2 gallons of water. That is 16 lbs of extra weight that I don’t really want to carry around. The water weight is justified by the need for electrolytes.

I have wondered if there was an easier way to lose all of the water but still be able to replace the electrolytes, adding water when I needed it.

I found a great product called Nuun, it is a tablet that has no sugar and will give 16 oz of water the needed electrolytes a person needs.

A tube of Nuun makes about 1.5 gallons drink filled with electrolytes, more than enough for most of my long distance rides.

All I have to do is put a couple of tablets into my CamelPak with the required amount of water, and I have a great tasting sport drink replacing my electrolytes practically on the go.

Replacing electrolytes is easy with Nuun.

Putting on my IT consulting hat for a moment, looking for quality management software?

Quality management software allows a manufacturing company to automate the quality control processes with the following:

1. Auditing
2. Calibration
3. Document Control
4. Maintenance
5. Training

Having software that manages the quality control process improves products for the consumer and gives the manufacturer a chain to follow if problems arise.

There are quite a few companies offering quality management software packages.

Quality management software can be web based or reside on the client’s own hardware.

A web based platform has flexibility on what hardware is used; the data usually residing offsite providing remote backup.

Most of the time there is a monthly cost involved with this type of quality management software service.

Quality management software residing on the client’s hardware has the benefit of being quicker than a web based solution. Data also resides locally making it easier to manage and control who has access to your quality management software.

Is it me or do some Vancouver cafe patrons seem different?

I’m one to talk, usually when I’m in a Vancouver cafe ordering something I’m in my cycling clothes!

I think it’s funny how prevalent coffee shops are here in the northwest. When I’m out cycling it seems that there is one on every street corner.

Having so much coffee readily available, you would think I enjoyed it. Even with all of the various flavors, coffee is still an acquired taste that I don’t have.

My favorite beverage is not the “normal” Vancouver Cafe patron fare, but a rich hot chocolate that does not come out of an envelope.

After a couple hours of cycling, a nice tall cup of hot chocolate does the trick.

When I’m in a Vancouver cafe ordering, being able to sit down and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate is made that much better after a long ride.

The hot chocolate I enjoy that some Vancouver Cafe patrons might raise their noses at is made from steamed milk and real chocolate with sweet whipped cream on top.

You should see some of the looks I get from a few Vancouver Cafe patrons when I’m in my cycling clothes!