Faced a lot of demons today

[bikerchick68]

JoHunter.... WAY TO GO!!!! good for you for tackling those fears... I was absolutely terrified of pretty much everything when I first began riding... I hadn't ridden a bike in years and suddenly I was out in big city traffic trying to learn everything... I remember how elated I was the first time I actually got the water bottle out and took a drink while still riding....

every single fear that you overcome is a big deal! thank you for sharing this with us... it's very inspirational!

[Jo-n-NY]

Way to go on tackling your fears JoHunter!! As of now I am not to keen on riding on busy roads either.

For a 20-30 mile ride I usually will just have a Nature Valley Trailmix Bar, the one with peanuts or almonds if I have anything at all. It all depends on what I eat before the ride. Egg and cheese on a roll usually holds me for a 20 mile ride. Actually that works for me best for any ride especially the longer ones. I seem to have the most energy.

~ JoAnn

[Aint Doody]

We're still just doing 25 milers here because of the weather, but I got some Simbree squares www.simbree.com at Bike Expo. I like them because they come in a ziplock type bag and you can eat as few or as many as you want and not have left over drying out stuff. They are about the size of the Cliff Bloks and are all natural and really delicious. We've convinced our lbs to carry them.

[RoadRaven]

Hey there Jo, great to hear you are relaxing into the riding more... and that your fear is turning into respect for dangers that you remain aware of, but can enjoy the ride at the same time.

My rides are mostly 1-2 hours long. I don't eat at all under an hour, but more than that? I usually eat about half a muesli bar (kept in my back pocket) at about an hour and a half, and then every 15- 20 minutes (I eat as I ride).

If I am tired, or have been embracing the joys of a headwind, then I eat half a bar about 2 minutes before each climb