Am considering using it for Ride Across INdiana (one-day, one-way, 160-mile ride across the state). Unfortunately, we were not able to get our supply until recently, so we couldn't try it on any of our looong rides. Have used it on several shorter rides and don't have issues with taste, gastric upset, etc. Will have a support vehicle for RAIN so access to cold mixture will not be a problem.

The warning regarding not consuming Perpetuem in conjunction with anything containing simple, refined sugar is what has me concerned. We've heard the horor stories and have no desire to be on the receiving end of a knock-out punch.

In the past, we've always used PowerBars and PowerGels -- both of which contain sugars and would not, therefore, be suitable for use with Perpetuem. But what about things like pretzels, etc., that don't contain sugar? See, I like food. Actually, I'm a HUGE fan of food! The people at Hammer suggest not consuming anything other than Perpetuem, but looking forward to food is what motivates me to get to the next SAG. Do you really not get hungry on this stuff? 12-14 hours without a Snickers bar? Are they crazy?!!

RAIN starts at 7 a.m. If I eat breakfast somewhere around 4-5 a.m., will there be an issue if I start the ride with Perpetuem? And how long does it take for Perpetuem to empty from your stomach? Once I cross the finish (and I WILL make it to the finish), will I still have to hold off ingesting "normal" food? Or should I switch to water with an hour to go so I'm not tempted to scarf bar tape just so I have something to chew on?