"In my experience, on long rides I need both the Gatorade and food - just drinking Gatorade all day long does not provide the nutrients that I need. But just water and food doesn't work for me on long rides either..."

" on long (70 mile range) hot days I was going through at least 72 ounces of water plus 6 to 8 water bottles of Gatorade plus food."

I do eat food in addition to water/gatorade. On my training rides I carry powerbars. On the supported rides I still carry power bars but also eat pb&j sandwiches and bananas that are usually offered.

I was surprised by the amount of gatorade you drink on long hot days. I'm not drinking anywhere near that for either the gatorade or water. Probably why I'm suffering?

Maureen