Thanks for the info! I have been experimenting with the bars as an afternoon snack prior to spinning - just to see how they sit. I eat a good balance of carbs/protein throughout the day and know what I need for rides, but just wasn't sure where the gu came into the equation

Some of the people in spinning class are from the bike club and are serious roadies/criterium racers and when they use these supplements in class, it made me think that I should be doing something extra - I think you're right pedalfaster, they're using spinning as training.

Last summer I was trying to drop some add'l #'s and was in the induction phase of Atkins and went out on a 40 mile ride - not a smart thing to do. I was sick when I got home and have come to the conclusion that if I'm gonna ride, gotta have the carbs.

So now I eat 5-6 small meals a day and amazingly enough, have been losing weight and inches. Something is working.

I am training for RAGBRAI - 490 mi ride across the state of Iowa and will be doing several longer rides, 40 mi, 60 mi and a couple of centuries prior and wanted to try some different supplements but just wasn't sure when to use them. It sounds like I just need to try them out to see what works for me.

This is a great board, I've learned alot and appreciate the support - I'm basically a "lone rider" and it's good to know others have questions too! Thanks gals!