I did the same as you, rocknrollgirl, on a ride a few weeks ago where I basically forgot to eat and then managed to bonk on a hill. It was not pretty!

For the rides I'm doing now, with long distances and lots of climbing, I've concluded that what works best for me is to try to get most of my on-bike calories in by drinking them. That way, it's easier for me to keep track of how much I consume, and how regularly I consume it.

I've tried Sustained Energy and Perpetuem, both Hammer products. Neither one of them agreed with me, but I know some people who swear by one or the other.

There's a drink called SPIZ that I really like ( http://www.spiz.net/ ). I don't think it's available in stores, it only appears to be available on-line. But they'll send you a free sample if you request one. I can mix up a 4-scoop bottle of SPIZ -- it dissolves very easily, unlike SE or Perpetuem -- and that will provide 500 cals, which I'll sip over two hours or so (alternating with plain water).