Thanks Cyclingmom! I'm going to try some real food like bananas and almonds. I think I'll also try some fig newtons and Clif Shot Blox when I can get my hands on some.

The gels are also hard for me to get down, I'm not sure if it's the taste or texture or both. I really felt a boost in energy but I think my heart rate was too high for my stomach to digest it properly. I felt like I had a brick in my stomach.

What do you use for electrolytes in your water? I wish I could just use something liquid on rides. I never really feel like eating, but I think you're right that I just need to experiment and find something that works for me.