Bonking isn't just about long rides

[Biking Chick]

You really are right - listen to your body. When I ride, it's a time to turn off the "don't take in calories that will make you fat" voice in my head.

Couldn't agree more Nuthatch ... I've had to fire those members of my Everyone Committee (as in I can't quit my job and ride cross country - what will Everyone think???)

This has been a very interesting thread and one I will certainly think about before I take off on *just a quick ride*

[geochick]

I've gotten so much more information than I was origingally looking for.....

My hubby and I are doing a 24-mile ride tomorrow; 1350' climb and some of the hills will definitely be a challenge. Anyway, one of the guys I work with frequently rides the area we're doing tomorrow and he told me to be sure to "eat lots of pasta tonight" and "have it for breakfast, too".

Since I started riding about a month ago, I've been eating mostly "good" carbs - veggies and fruits, almost no-refined grains, very little bread, no potatoes, lean protein, good fats. When I ride, I usually take a bottle of gatorade and one of water and eat a clif bar, or something similar, when I get started. (I bring another just in case I feel there's a possibility I might bonk!)

I feel great and so far I've lost about 8 pounds.

So, it sounds like the answer to my question of whether I should gorge on pasta tonight is no.

But, I need a little reassurance here - Will I be okay if I just eat an egg and some oatmeal tomorrow for breakfast and then supplement with some fruit and maybe a clif bar while I'm riding?

Thanks!

[caligurl]

hi geochick! that's what i would do! (well.. i just have oatmeal.. not the egg!)

[CorsairMac]

Howdy geochick - actually for breakfast every day rather I ride or not I have a 3 egg white omelet and wild rice and a fruit so yeah you should be fine.

Now have fun trying to explain to your friend that you did NOT carbo load the night before and you'll be OK? LOL

[SadieKate]

But, I need a little reassurance here - Will I be okay if I just eat an egg and some oatmeal tomorrow for breakfast and then supplement with some fruit and maybe a clif bar while I'm riding?

This sounds like the perfect breakfast. Pretty much what I eat for big ride days. I don't usually drink fruit juice because of the sugar but I'll have apple juice on these days so I can get in some extra liquid early.

[Aint Doody]

I usually eat oatmeal--uncooked--mixed w/ fat free, vanilla yogurt, some fresh berries, and some walnuts. It really stays with me and keeps me going. Don't eat that instant stuff. The slow cook kind takes longer to digest and has more fiber.

[geochick]

Thanks for all the advice and suggestions. I ended up eating a decent sized bowl of oatmeal (slow-cook, steel cut kind). I had plenty of energy, which I supplemented with a couple fig newtons and a piece of watermelon at the rest stops! It was a GREAT ride - even with the hills. (Had to walk one hill - 8% grade was a bit much for me - but rode all the rest for 24 miles, so I was really happy with myself for that!)

Thanks for the support. I'm learning so much from TE members. All y'all are lifesavers as I try to re-acquaint myself with this wonderful sport.

[nuthatch]

I ended up eating a decent sized bowl of oatmeal (slow-cook, steel cut kind).

Oatmeal triumphs again! Glad you had a great ride!!

[spazzdog]

Taking this really in the direction of bonking not being only about long rides:

Went out to the back yard yesterday at abt 11:30 am to take care of the jungle it had become. I had toast w/butter&jelly and a big glass of V8 Splash abt 30 min prior.

First I used a hand "field wacker"; you swing it back and forth kinda like a putter. Had to do this BEFORE I could attempt to mow (old lawn mower had gone to heaven & took a bit to get new one, thus 3 ft high jungle look).

Then I mowed. Then I raked. Along the way I had put away a couple of liter bottles of Gatorade BUT no food. It's now 6:00 pm.

I sat down in the lawn chair surrounded by my doggies to enjoy the fresh cut grass smell... and woke up at 7:30 pm.

so... well bonking can happen with any activity.

spazz

[newrider]

I just found this thread. Am so happy to have found TE and this kind of experiential advice. You all cut down tremendously on my trial and error.

And perhaps the best advice of all:

I've had to fire those members of my Everyone Committee (as in I can't quit my job and ride cross country - what will Everyone think???)

I have an Everyone Committee, too! This was hilarious, thanks!!!

And I'm taking you seriously! There's some firin' in order....