Optimal Caffeine Dosing

[TromboneAl]

Concerning dehydration, I've read that, on balance, coffee is not dehydrating.

Drinking caffeine–containing beverages as part of a normal lifestyle doesn't cause fluid loss in excess of the volume ingested. While caffeinated drinks may have a mild diuretic effect — meaning that they may cause the need to urinate — they don't appear to increase the risk of dehydration.

And I know where all the pit stops are on my bike routes.

[braumeister]

Al, the diuretic effect is well established, and is the reason why most runners I know use the "two hours before the race" cutoff. You should be able to eliminate enough during those two hours that you won't need a potty stop during your effort.