Eat while riding?

[KSH]

I thought the theory was that a body can ABSORB about 250-300 cals/hr.

Yep, you are right. You did a better job of explaining it.

[Spec&TrekGirl]

Thanks for all the advice! This forum is great.

I think the first thing I need to do is bring a sports drink/electrolyte replacement (which I now remember has done a great job of keeping me feeling good on hiking and backpacking in the desert). I like the idea of Gu too because it sounds like it would be easy to digest. I've always been a little hesitant to eat while exercising because my stomach doesn't deal well with eating and exercising soon after. I'll have to do a little experimenting with Gu, energy bars, and some of the other food suggested here to see what works for me and what I like.

Stopping for a meal in the middle of the ride sounds like fun when I have several hours so I can relax for a while after lunch before heading back.

I took another similar and slightly longer ride yesterday with an energy bar that I ate half of at 45 minutes and finished it about half an hour later. My stomach was a little upset when I got on the bike right after eating, so I took it pretty easy for about 10 minutes after each time I ate. Felt much better at the end of the ride, even with a serious headwind.