the last 7 miles

[sundial]

I've noticed on my long rides that when I'm about 7 miles from the finish I lose a lot of oomph. I don't know if it's psychological, biological, or both but either way it happens on most of my 30-40-50 mile rides. Sometimes I stop and get off the bike for a brief rest and then proceed. Other times I just slow my cadence and silently curse the lack of performance. Just wonderin' whazupwidis.

[indysteel]

What do you typically eat during your rides?

[sundial]

Indy, I do indeed BUT apparently not enough. I like to eat Accel gels and Cliff Blocks. I just finished reading a chapter in Nancy Clark's nutrition for cyclists book and she suggested eating every 30 minutes. I put this to the test this past weekend and it did make a big difference in performance. Prior to this I was eating every hour or so and not drinking enough. However, on my 38 mile ride I hit the same energy sag point at mile 31. I think part of it was that I wanted to be in a little bit of shade.

[indysteel]

Sundial,

If it's as hot in your neck of the wood as it is in mine, then the heat alone may explain your lagging energy. No matter what I eat or drink these days, I just get to a point where I want to be done, off my bike and out of the heat. I am so ready for fall right now.

I can ride for about two hours in cooler temps without food. The hotter it gets, however, the more I need to eat early and often. See if upping your food intake a bit helps. Certainly, finding some shade for a bit of a rest couldn't hurt either.

[sundial]

...I want to be done, off my bike and out of the heat.

That pretty much sums it up, Indy. I guess I'm not digging down deep enough to continue on without a mental break in the saddle. The heat/humidity has been brutal and we're having yet another round of dangerous heat. The last time I rode I was trying to figure out how to create shade on the fly. Out where I ride there's open fields and very few trees, let alone shade.

[Zen]

I have the solution!

Make the ride seven miles shorter.