Fueling for a long ride or fun w/ diet restrictions

[OakLeaf]

I don't have a problem with stevia in small amounts, so I'm fine with the Zenergize.

But other things I do are mix a hydration solution myself at home (doesn't taste that great, but when I need it, I need it) - on a longer ride I start with HEED (sugar alcohols don't bother me either, in small amounts) - and once my bottles are empty, I take Endurolytes capsules and eat salty foods on breaks. On long hot runs, I put Endurolytes powder into my water. My Nathan Synergy pack makes that really easy, because I can put plain water with lots of ice in the main bladder, and Endurolytes mixed extra strong in the other side, and get a constant dilution even while the ice melts. I carry nutrition separately and that way I don't have to worry about cleaning sticky moldy stuff out of my hydration bladder, drink tubes and bite valve.

It's pretty easy (too easy, most would say!) to find salty foods in a convenient store on a long ride. Magnesium and calcium are harder, which is why I've learned to keep some Endurolytes capsules in a little ziploc in my jersey pocket. (I actually learned that from a friend, who carries a *big* stash to give away to her riding buddies when we start getting cramps. Generous and a great idea and almost makes you wish Hammer was a MLM company. )