Sharkies

[redrhodie]

When I need a fig bar, I go for a Fig Newman.

http://www.newmansownorganics.com/funfacts3.html

I don't usually eat on the bike, though, so even the Fig Newmans are a once in a blue moon treat.

[katluvr]

So what if I LIKE gels?
Actaully I don't really like gels--I ONLY LOVE Chocolate GU! It is like eating a packet of fudge choc icing (when it is cool) or warm, melted chocolate (when it is warm). It is kinda like a treat.

I, too, prefer "real" food like subtances for longer rides. But a chocolate gu gets me going mid ride!

(Ok, off topic, I know. But not all gel's makes one gag! )

Oh and while I am kinda off topci...there is this one organized bike trail ride I do and the volunteers make these wonderful treats:
oreo, with peanut butter on top, then a slice of banna and 1 little raisin to top it off. OMG they are delicious. What a treat! I swear one day I'll start a little resturant/brew pub with a bike theme and you'll find that little treat on the dessert menu!

[nscrbug]

I'm a fan of Sharkies...along with all the other "chews" out there - Clif Shot Bloks, Luna Moons, Honey Stinger, GU Chomps, etc.) I like the portability of them, plus they hold up well in the heat (no melting or getting soggy). My favorite is the Honey Stinger chews...they don't stick to your teeth like the others do sometimes. But I keep a stash of all of them on hand and use them religiously on long rides. I also like the "mini" Clif Bars, too. They fit nicely into my bento box, and at 100 calories each...are perfect for me to replenish calories.

[Kalidurga]

Speaking only for myself, I think my distinction is between "real food" having at least marginal (imaginary?) nutritional value, vs. something that bears more similarity to candy (like gummies, jelly beans, etc).

[sarahspins]

I'm a fan of Sharkies...along with all the other "chews" out there - Clif Shot Bloks, Luna Moons, Honey Stinger, GU Chomps, etc.) I like the portability of them, plus they hold up well in the heat (no melting or getting soggy).

Ditto this... anything "solid" really upsets my stomach because it just sits there on a ride... especially if I am drinking a lot too - not fun! But gels, gummies, and similar don't bother me much at all.

I personally prefer something that has ingredients that aren't just chemicals... and with fewer preservatives, even if it's form equates it to little more than 'candy' to most.

[southjerseygirl]

I love Sharkies, but only the kids' kind. The flavors are better, they're coated with sugar, and they don't have that gummy, stick to your teeth texture like the adult version. Check out Target for a good selection of flavors. :-)

[smilingcat]

I wasn't meaning to pick on anyone. It was just a sense that I got from fellow cyclists who have serious conversations regarding natural food, organic food... Yet at a LBS, or at a gathering they talk about shot blocks, gu, different kinds of sport drink mix that comes in powder...

Didn't realize fig newtons have High Fructose Corn Syrup. I guess, I'm going to have to check out Paul Newman's organic fig newton.

I will admit though that athletic performance has been improving over long period of time. And its not jut because of better training but because of better understanding of nutrition. Part of this includes all the "chemical" concocction athletes eat and drink during the endurance events.

So my sincere apology to GLC, I really was not thinking about you when I wrote my disdain for all this 'stuff"

Sincerely,
Smilingcat