Nutrition for 100 mile ride

[tulip]

I would carry more food than you think you'll need. Sometimes rest stops run out, and then you're stuck.

[barbie1027]

I would carry more food than you think you'll need. Sometimes rest stops run out, and then you're stuck.

good point...never even thought of that!

[OakLeaf]

Really, learn what your body needs and what it can tolerate. Nobody can tell you this, you have to learn it for yourself.

I can't tolerate fresh fruit on a ride. Many other people do quite well with bananas, oranges, grapes, etc.

I can't tolerate honey on a ride (because of the fructose content - same reason I can't tolerate fresh fruit or drinks with HFCS). Some people use honey in place of commercial gels and do just fine.

I need protein when I go over three hours or so. Judging by what's offered on organized rides, most people don't. If I'm not riding super hard, my favorite choice is tuna salad, and if I can't get that, I'll have egg salad. Not everyone can tolerate those foods on a ride ... not everyone can even tolerate the sight of me eating them.

You may be completely different.

Understand that "hunger pains" are ordinarily MUSCLE pains that feel just like fatigue, not the stomach pains you may feel when you're hungry while you're not exerting yourself. Understand that when your body gets to that point, you need quick energy in the form of sugary drinks, commercial gels, fruit, whatever.

You have plenty of time to learn your body's needs. Experiment and learn.