I did a lot of fueling on the bike last year. This year, I decided to hone back a little based on my ride times. For example, I no longer need a goo for a 1.5 hour ride. If I do 2 hours or more, I'll start to add things in. Then, it's a question of Heed vs solid food.

You may find one thing works one year and then you can switch it up the next simply because you're in better shape.

I've found that my body responds quite well to Hammer products. I like chocolate Hammer gel and Heed (Hammer Nutrition's vs of Gatorade, kind of). One thing I REALLY like about Hammer is that their products are all natural. I've found that by switching most of my foods to organic and trying to avoid high fructose corn syrup, I've gotten rid of my asthma and coughing of three years and my acne is now clearing up.

With that in mind, what you put in your body during your ride may not be nearly as important as what you put in when you're not on your bike.

Welcome to cycling! You'll find it's more than just a sport. It's a lifestyle that's well worth the journey.