food question

[alpinerabbit]

I hope this isn't a stupid question. But does anyone have advice on how long before I ride I should eat in order to ensure optimal energy? I don't want to get halfway through my ride and be depleted of all energy, but I don't want to eat too close to my ride and get cramps like I do if I eat too close to a run.
(I've only been on three rides yet, but they were all between 14.5 and 16.5 miles if distance makes any difference)

It depends what you eat, and how long you go.... usually an hour, or a little over, can be done purely from your glycogen stores.

You want something that won't make your blood glucose spike and then plunge. Careful on white bread.
A good pre-ride breakfast includes a soft-boiled egg for me.

Check out the other nutrition forum threads for clues, lotsa good stuff out there and you don't have to buy the special items yet.

I usually have a gel or powerbar as an emergency measure if I or partner bonk.

You prolly won't ever feel as bad as running on a fulll stomach.