Also,

I do use Nuun for electrolyte source. If my ride is under 2 hours I try to take only water and no food, but each person is different. Weekend hard group rides- I have a drink mix in 1 bottle so I make sure I am getting the needed calories into my system and electrolytes in the other. I may only do 45 miles if I do the short loop but there is a good chance I will have gone through 2 gels by the time I get home.

But you need to look at where your body is right now and when you start to feel worse- if you feel good and then at 1.5 hours you feel horrible- then you need to start putting nutrients into your body 30 minutes before that point on the next ride and then continue to do it every 30-45 mins or so until you get home.


Not fueling your body during these rides would be like not putting gas in your car- it can't run without the proper fuel and electrolytes are important but there is more then just that to keep you running