Lots of good ideas - thanks! Figuring out all of these hydration and nutritional needs is part of the process of building endurance... figuring out what works.

I think that I've been in weight loss mode for so long that it came into play yesterday with not wanting to eat more on the bike. Gotta fuel for endurance.

I do think it a good idea to stay at this mileage at least one more week, just to be safe, before I bump it to 60. I was taking the 60 mile option on an organized ride next Saturday, but think it would be best to stick with the 50 mile option one more week...