Eat while riding?

[RolliePollie]

Figuring out the food thing took me quite a while, but now I've got it worked out pretty well. I think it's really an individual thing. My stomach seems to be pretty easy-going and I can tolerate snacking during a ride. I know some people who cannot face the idea of eating while riding and feel sick if they do.

My rule of thumb is that if I'm going to be riding farther than 20 miles or so, I always carry some food with me just in case. Power Bars, fig newtons, shot blocks, etc. If I stop for a rest or a potty break, I'll usually eat a few bites. And I always have one water bottle with Gatorade and another with plain water. I drink at least every 10-15 minutes and more frequently if it's hot.

It also makes me feel better just knowing I have food along. Last summer I forgot my Gatorade and my food on one of my solo out-in-the-middle-of-nowhere rides. It wasn't a long ride but I was panicking because I didn't know what I'd do if I needed calories!

Good luck...I'm sure you'll figure out what works best for you. Just experiment a little and you'll get your own food routine down in no time!