Attempting my first 40 mile ride.... got any pointers?

[crazycanuck]

Spend the next few days thinking about what you're going to eat & drink on the ride. Also, how often are you going to drink/eat. Eat before you're hungry and drink before you're thirsty.

When doing the ride, take your time & remember you have to get yourself from A-B, no one else.

Most of all..have fun!

[Cataboo]

Just do it - have fun.

Peanut butter & jelly sandwiches tend to be easy to eat and still bike afterwards.

I usually carry a granola bar of some sort and some cliff shot bloks with caffeine.

Put a 2nd water bottle on your bike if you can - but if you're not going to be riding in the middle of nowhere, there is usually a store or someone's garden house or something that you can stop by and fill your water bottle up.

[roadie gal]

How hot and humid is it going to be? How much do you drink? I would try to carry at least 2 water bottles and some munchy like an energy bar, granola bar or a PB&J sandwich.

I'm a big drinker, especially if it's hot, and I HATE getting dehydrated, so I tend to carry a lot of water. Be honest with yourself about how much you may need.

[rubysoho]

thanks all! I drink a lot an hour before my ride (stopping 30 minutes before I pedal out) and on the 20 milers I did not finish my single bottle (on top of drinking a decent amount of water in general). But, I also drink a lot after. This ride will have a planned break at the 20 mile mark if needed where I can refill the two bottles. I don't know how much is between mile 1 and mile 20 though so I am packing a little food.

Should be around 80 degrees this weekend, 56% humidity. I am going to try to carry more than what I think I will need.

[tulip]

Don't underestimate the amount of food and drink on the ride. I ride more or less by the clock: every 5 minutes I take a gulp of whatever is in my waterbottles. Every 15 minutes I take a bite of whatever food I have in my jersey pocket. Be consistent and you won't bonk.

40 miles is not a century, but it's a decent ride and if you are not careful, you could bonk or get dehydrated. After the ride, have some chocolate milk and chips, or whatever recovery food/drink you like.

[Owlie]

Take more water than you think you need. I also take along a bottle of diluted Gatorade. Take food too. Eat and drink regularly. Take a little break in the middle if you have to.

[grey]

Basically what everyone else has said. I always carry 2 bottles, even for 20 mile rides. I like tulip's advice to snack every 15 mins. Myself, I nibble something every 10 miles, but I bet energy levels are steadier with the more consistent nibbling.