No energy after longer bike rides

[redrhodie]

As I was reading this thread, thinking how tired I am after this morning's ride, I realized I'm never tired after my morning commutes (which are about the same distance that I rode this morning). I ate the same. They only difference was I worked harder this morning. So, maybe you just need to ride like a slacker, like I do on my commutes to work. See here:

http://www.bicyclefixation.com/slackers.htm

The hill advice is great.

[PinkBike]

michelle,

i dont think there's a problem at all, i think what you're going through is normal. i used to be wasted after my 30-40 mile saturday rides every other week. i mean wasted for the rest of the day.

now after a 60-miler i don't even need a nap.

i'm thinkin' it just takes time and miles to build up your endurance.

[Loraura]

That used to happen to me a lot. now I can ride 30, 40, 50 miles and still not need a nap. I can ride a 40 mile ride in the morning and clean house when I get back.

I think our bodies just need time to adapt. I didn't change anything really, other than getting more fit.

[cylegoddess]

Ive been riding for a year and such, and I find that for me( on a road bike, riding a flattish commute, 17 km) I dont eat in morning, except banana and grape juice. Ill eat after ride, having a protein shake. I was protein starved so adding two a day( shakes ) helped me, but I dont eat any grains or rice or corn.
I work on my feet all day, and Im pretty tired for commute home. The last 5 km are SOO hard( and uphill and a headwind to boot!)!
It takes time to build muscles and endurance.
I find if I eat for rides under two hours, I get sluggish.
Im pretty tired after my two hour ride on weekends( when I go!), and I eat before that. Its getting easier but at least I dont need a nana nap anymore after it( I use to pass right out!).
Also, how fast are you going and what gearing?I once had a ride when I got home, I thought, man, Im wasted! Turns out I rode in the hardest gear, all the way home , uphills and headwinds and all.