I do best when I eat a good breakfast. One of the best and easiest for me is plain shelled edamame with salt and pepper. I eat one cup before I leave home and then another cup when I get to the start point (as I tend to be overly early for group rides). That, with non-sugar snacks (e.g., pretzels, banana, lara bar), would work for me. I also use a sports drink w no simple sugars (ultima replenisher).