What do you eat the day before a big ride?

[dachshund]

Veronica's post on the "post ride banquet" made me think about the pre-ride banquet. Any suggestions?
-Amy

[bcipam]

One... banquet is probably not a good idea.

This is where you need to know your body and what it processes well. Alot of people like to "carbo-load" and eat a pasta dinner before a ride. Doesn't work that well for me. I can't tolerate large amounts of wheat or flour products. Through trial and error I know that eating good, but small meals days prior to a ride works best for me. I like lean protein such as chicken breast or steak, a nice salad (not too large), and a cup of ride plus a good, digestable vegetable or fruit. I love broccoli but doesn't work well for me before a ride. Carrots or string beans are better. The morning of I usually eat a peanut butter sandwich (no jelly) and a small piece of fruit plus green tea. I usually make sure I eat breakfast at least 3 - 4 hours before the ride start (so I get up early) and then just before the ride, have half a Balance Bar or some fig bars. On the ride I graze at the sag stops.

[maillotpois]

I really don't eat anything special.

I have learned some things to avoid, though. For example before the Eastern Sierra Double, I had a carnitas burrito for lunch the day before. My stomach was not very happy all day the next day. Could have been the heat (surely a factor, at least). But I coul dhave made a better pre-ride choice.

Also, I am really trying not to pre-load too much either. The first double century I did was Davis last year, and I figure I must have eaten 5000 calories the day before. I really didn't need to!

I try to just eat what I normally eat. If it is a double century or something really long, I may eat a little more carbs.

The meal before is most important. I am a big oatmeal fan. My new favorite oatmeal recipe I got from one of the women I am coaching for Death Ride:

1/2 cup oats (not quick - just regular)
1 T flax meal
2 T wheat germ
2 T - 1/4 C walnuts, shopped to as fine as you like
1/4 C some sort of fruit (raisins, berries, apples)
1 C soy milk

Mix it all up and stick in the microwave for 3 minutes. If you use fresh berries, may want to add them after cooking. This is SO easy and it is now my daughter's favorite breakfast. We will share one recipe in the morning. If I were planning to do a long ride, I would eat the whole thing, though.