Hi Betagirl,

I sometimes have the same problem. It takes me a good 10 miles to "warm up" on a ride, and as a result, I can be dropped early on when I could stay with the riders who dropped me if I start early and just let them catch me later. So, part of that may just be the way your body warms up - slower than the norm.

Are you eating enough before rides? And I don't mean just carbs. There is an article in this month's Bicycling that says that riders need fat and protein along with the carbs in order to sustain them. I am petite and have a fast metabolism, and if I don't eat something fairly close to (before) the ride start, I will give out too. For afternoon rides my current pre-ride snack of choice is a Payday bar, which has carbs, protein, and fat.

Good luck to you!

Emily