Courtesy of Positive Pedalers of California, www.pospeds.org Nutrition

• Eat 2-3 times a day, even if you’re not hungry
• HIV+ cyclists need more protein- take a supply of supplement bars and drinks, especially if keeping weight on is a challenge
• Be aware of food restrictions with meds

Hydration

• Drink a balance of water and electrolyte replacement fluids.
• Be sure to ask camp and rest stop volunteers if ice is filtered.
• Drink water all day and all evening long! Dehydration can continue while you sleep, so keep a full water bottle with you at night to drink.

Side Effects
The big ones are diarrhea, nausea, indigestion, and headache.

• Diarrhea: expect to get it! Many things can contribute to diarrhea during the ride: heat, stress, change in foods, etc. As all these things can add to existing GI side effects. Be prepared! Take Imodium or lamotril with you!
• Nausea and indigestion: Before the ride, think about what upsets your stomach. Vitamins? Certain vegetables? Spices? Some of your meds? Avoid foods that do this.
• Taking meds with food can help reduce nausea and indigestion.
• Tips: cool foods help calm your stomach. Hard candies sometimes help. Get out of the sun-rest as much as you can. A cool rag on head and/or wrist can help to alleviate heat.
• Headache: dehydration can cause headache, take some ibuprofen or acetaminophen with you. Also, stopping caffeine abruptly can cause headache, so if you drink coffee regularly, drink it on the ride.
• Besides the meds, the sun, the new food, and the stress can contribute to existing side effects.
• Bottom line: if you’re not feeling right, tell somebody and get help. Talk to other Positive Pedalers. Nothing is more important than staying well.

Adherence

• You’re out of your normal setting; how will you remember to take your meds? Make a plan before you leave. Discuss treatment options and tips for adherence with your medical provider and/or other Positive Pedalers.

Med Tips

• Keep a list of all your medications and doses with you.
• Talk with your doctor about the ride! Do a check-in about any special needs before you leave.
• Make sure you have your medical provider’s telephone numbers.

During the ride:

• Special arrangements for storage and delivery of medications are available. Please speak to ride coordinators about medication needs.
• Best not to start new regimen within one month before the ride.
• Keep medications out of direct sunlight, as much as possible.
• Medication sets may be easier to deal with on rides than individual pill bottles. These are readily available at pharmacies or often from medical providers.
• If you have special needs or are feeling “off”, always check in with a crew member.

Sun

• Sun causes dehydration; drink water and electrolyte replacement fluids!
• Septra/Bactrim and some antibiotics, such as doxycycline and tetracycline, cause sun sensitivities; wear high SPF sunscreen on all exposed body parts and reapply regularly. You’re sweating the sunscreen off too.
• Use plenty of sunscreen with SPF even if you’re not taking antibiotics.
• Sunscreen an exposed head; bring along caps and bandanas if there’s not much hair up there.

Hygiene

• If you have the opportunity to wash your hands, use warm water and wash for 15 seconds.
• Wash hands or use Purell/antibiotic lotion/sanitizer after using the porta potties and bathroom whenever possible; carry your own supply in case it is not available at your stop. Sanitizers should be available at camp and rest stops.
• Wash hands in camp before all meals.