Nutrition/Hydration question - long

[indysteel]

I agree the Camelback is fine, although I do think you should continue to work on being able to use your water bottle while riding, too.

As for eating, I think everyone is different so bear that in mind. On CIBA rides, I tend to hit all their SAG stops, so that means that I eat at about 20 mile intervals. That said, I can generally make it to 30-35 miles before eating something, assuming I've had a decent pre-ride meal. I am not, however, a fan of bars and gels. I'll eat them if I have to, but I'd rather have just about anything else. Bananas are probably my preferred pre-ride and on-ride snack. I like Clif blocs, too.

[Zen]

, although I do think you should continue to work on being able to use your water bottle while riding, too.
.

Why? I find I keep up with hydration much better when I wear my 'Bak.

You do not want to run out of water out in the boonies. Look into this

Read reviews here

[indysteel]

Why? I find I keep up with hydration much better when I wear my 'Bak.

You do not want to run out of water out in the boonies. Look into this

Read reviews here

Zen, I don't dispute that Camelbacks can be handy, but being able to drink from a water bottle while riding is, IMO, a handy and helpful skill to have. She may not always want to ride with the Camelback. She may want to avoid having to stop just to take a drink. I tend to think, too, that it will be part and parcel of her developing better handling skills. More than anything, I'd encourage her to not tell herself--if she even is--that she just can't master it.

[Catrin]

Zen, I don't dispute that Camelbacks can be handy, but being able to drink from a water bottle while riding is, IMO, a handy and helpful skill to have. She may not always want to ride with the Camelback. She may want to avoid having to stop just to take a drink. I tend to think, too, that it will be part and parcel of her developing better handling skills. More than anything, I'd encourage her to not tell herself--if she even is--that she just can't master it.

I haven't told myself this

Nor have I tried it yet - though will eventually when I can move my hands off the bars and feel stable while doing so. Am just being patient with myself - I only have something like 225 miles under my belt since really being able to start riding - and only something like 32 of those miles are on the actual road I am, however, adding to that as quickly as I can and having a blast doing it.

[Catrin]

I took my Trek to my (new) LBS and discussed assorted options to get more water on that bike as it only has a place for one water cage. We determined that there is no way that I can get both a seat-post mounted water bottle holder and a seat-bag on it - and the bars are too thick to mount a handlebar holder either. He suggested that when it comes to the Trek that if I need more than the one water bottle to just break out my Camelbak. He made the point that filling it with ice will help cool my back

The LHT gives far more water options, which is good - we just need to fit it to me so I can ride it long enough to need water

[NoNo]

Do you have a heart rate monitor? For me, I know I start to go downhill when I hit the 500 calorie mark. I've yet to find anything that doesn't sit well with me while riding, so I guess I'm fortunate. Love Shot Blocs, even the Jelly Belly sport beans give a little boost. On long (50+ mile) rides, a peanut butter sandwich works wonders. Don't worry about the Camelback, my brother wears his. I usually like to carry one bottle with water, and one with Gatorade. I find that after 20 miles I need to start replacing electrolytes. Anything shorter than that and I'm ok with just water. Of course, you don't want to wait until you're hungry or getting tired and cramping to eat. You'll have to learn at what time you have to ingest something to avoid getting to that point. It will take you some time to figure out what your body needs and when.

[Catrin]

Do you have a heart rate monitor? For me, I know I start to go downhill when I hit the 500 calorie mark. I've yet to find anything that doesn't sit well with me while riding, so I guess I'm fortunate. Love Shot Blocs, even the Jelly Belly sport beans give a little boost. On long (50+ mile) rides, a peanut butter sandwich works wonders. Don't worry about the Camelback, my brother wears his. I usually like to carry one bottle with water, and one with Gatorade. I find that after 20 miles I need to start replacing electrolytes. Anything shorter than that and I'm ok with just water. Of course, you don't want to wait until you're hungry or getting tired and cramping to eat. You'll have to learn at what time you have to ingest something to avoid getting to that point. It will take you some time to figure out what your body needs and when.

I do have, and use, a heart rate monitor - that is a good idea to note about when I start heading downhill where calories are concerned. I haven't forgotten about electrolytes - and thanks to everyone for their thoughts on this. Considering I generally ride alone it seems wise to put some thought into this as my rides get longer

I am also getting a stem bag for both of my rides so I have room for whatever I decide to take with me. I think the 'Bak will be enough on my back

Zen - thanks for the link and will check it out for my Trek. One of the reviews says that it is still possible to have a medium seat-bag at the same time, but it might be someone with a seat-post that sticks up a mile

[Zen]

I have the same bike as you and can still fit a good sized under-seat bag with this set-up

[Catrin]

I have the same bike as you and can still fit a good sized under-seat bag with this set-up

Cool, that is good information, thanks!

[ny biker]

I would like to emphasize -- forget about what is fashionable. Severe dehydration is what's really uncool. Running out of water is a horrible thing on a hot day. And btw today I did a big club ride and there were plenty of people riding road bikes while wearing camelbaks.

I generally aim for 1 bottle per hour, and for me a bottle is 20 oz. I think I aim for that because I've read it in various places. So estimate the number of hours you'll be riding between opportunities to refill (which might be the duration of the whole ride if there's no place to stop and get more to drink) and multiply by 20 oz. Then add more in case you are slower than usual for some reason, delayed by a mechanical issue, etc.

When it's really hot you need enough electrolytes, too. Last year I reread Nancy Clark's book and figured I was not getting enough sodium on hot days. I uppped my intake (using Gu Roctane instead of regular Gu) and I think it has helped me feel better and less "Help me I'm melting" when it's furnace-hot outside.