Don't drink beer, black tea, or coffee prior to a long hot ride. Drink a lot of other things. The way you drink has an effect on how much you absorb. A pack mounted bladder, that delivers water to your mouth via a bite valve accessed any time during the ride without using hands, is a powerful tool for efficient hydration. When you have a craving thirst it is too late for effective hydration.
Time of day is perhaps the least considered aspect of hydration.
Plan the ride schedule according to season. In summer begin your ride before sunrise. Try to stay out of the midday summer sun. If you are out on the trail from 6 to 10 AM you will be rewarded with the most glorious time of day and cut your water consumption in half compared to a midday ride. Don't think that you can leave later in the day and avoid the heat.