On my long rides I don't eat anything special the night before, but I do make sure to keep eating as I ride. Everyone's body is a little bit different, so whatever you do, don't try something new the day of the ride. I drink Gatorade and eat trail mix or Power bar Bites as I ride. I like to throw in a Red Bull every 25 miles or so and a Snickers or a Pay Day. This strategy has gotten me through several centuries, a 200 K and a near 200 K (116 miles, w/11,000 feet of climb.)

I've noticed the Double Century riders (200 miles in one day!) on the ride I volunteer at drink a lot of Sustained Energy. I've tried it. It doesn't have much taste to it. But I haven't ridden much on it. Double Century Riders don't seem to eat much of the real food we provide but go for things we call PPP (pills, potions and powders.) Pills are Enduralights. They give you electrolytes. I've used them on rides where it's really hot. I can't tell you if they have actually done anything for me. But they haven't caused problems either. Potions are Hammer Gel. I've tried that - don't care for the taste. Powder is Sustained Energy. But this what the folks who finish a 200 miler seem to be using.

Me, I still prefer my real food.

Veronica