What to take on a long ride?

[Grits]

Something to eat. You can always buy something at a convenience store, but it is a good idea to carry something with you just in case there isn't one there when you need it. I usually take peanut butter crackers, fig newtons, and a GU or two, depending on the length of the ride. I aim for 100-200 calories per hour after the first hour of riding.

Also have some id on you with emergency contact information.

Have fun!

[Kiwi Stoker]

I always have extra electrolyte tablets or satchets for my bottles in case I can only buy water.

Also MUST have a spare gel in case I bonk and I'm not near a store.

[Jiffer]

It depends a lot on how long you expect it to take you . . . and there's a big difference between 35 and 50 miles. I used to do a 33 mile ride with 2,000 feet of climbing with my club on Saturdays. It took an hour and 50 minutes or so to complete. I brought two bottles with "fuel" in them (never just water unless it was a super hot day and I brought a third bottle to pour on my head, which makes a HUGE difference). I used to use Cytomax Lite, but they don't make it anymore. I haven't been able to ride long enough to require "fuel" in over a year, but just today my doc recommended Activate Workout for when I do (found at grocery stores she said). It's natural with no sugar, chemicals, etc. and I can't have sugar right now. My husband uses EFS, though, and swears by it.

Anyway, for 2 hours out I never brought food with me. Sometimes I had a gel, an Accel Gel specifically, because it's the only gel I'm aware of that has protein in it. (Protein is good for your muscles)

I have read that pistachios are very good for mid-ride snacks to keep you going, if you want to avoid processed stuff. There's something about them that gives you just what you need (can't remember what, other than protein.) A half a peanut butter sandwich would be good, but you have to be careful not to smash it in your jersey! Bananas are good, too. It is common to find peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and bananas at SAG stops on organized rides.

I have often stopped at Subway half way through long ride. Never eat too much, though, or your body will be expending energy to digest instead of sustaining you through the rest of your ride. My friend and I have shared a 6" before, or gotten a small breakfast sandwich.

[azfiddle]

Definitely agree on adding food. There are lots of choices, and the more you do long rides, the better you will know what your body can handle.

Figure about 200-300 calories per hour, however you take them in- pretzels, shot blocks, gels, electrolyte drinks, peanut butter sandwich, energy bar, banana...

I keep a couple of band-aids in my seat bag, and usually bring my debit card.

[Owlie]

Flat kit, obviously. Food and water. Probably more than you think you need. I try to eat a calorie-dense breakfast, then I take at least 2 packages of shot blocks with me if I want to do more than around 25 miles. I also keep an emergency gel in my seat bag--I hate the texture, so I'm only going to eat it if it is an emergency! On rides longer than 35 miles or so, I need protein. It's fine if there's somewhere to stop for food, but I'd pack something just in case. Beef jerky, peanut butter, whatever works for you.

[Catrin]

+1 on what everyone has said. I also take a copy of my drivers license and insurance card, I don't want to risk losing the little plastic "wallet" I keep them in so I don't want to take the real thing with me.

On the road I typically ride where there aren't any stores - or anywhere else to stop outside of a corn/soy field so I make certain I have enough water with me (hydration pack), and food. This is generally shot blocks (only as a last resort), a Cliff or Power Bar (or two depending on how long I am going). For rides longer than 1.5 hours I will have a bottle of Heed in my cage. Longer than 2.5 hours I will have a special bladder in my hydration pack that I only use for Heed and a bottle of Accelerade. For rides longer than 1 hour I try my best to consume 100-200 calories.

You will need to experiment to see what kind of food your body will tolerate/like the best. If you will be riding where you can stop by a store if needed then you won't need to carry quite so much with you.

[surgtech1956]

Thank you for all the feedback. What flavor shot blocs or GU are the best for taste? I got a new hydration pack - should I put something like diluted Gatorade in there? Should I eat at a specific mileage or only when I feel like I need to? I'm going to pick up a few things to eat. I will definitely bring bananas. It's suppose to be about 85 degrees, this is warmer than it has been here. BTW I see there's a Cytomax Performance drink mix and a Cliff Shot drink mix, any reviews on these? Thanks again.