What to take on a long ride?

[OakLeaf]

I'm wondering where you all buy these items you're talking about.

Around here, Hammer Nutrition products are the only ones commonly available in stores (HEED, Perpetuem, Hammer Gel, Endurolytes, Recoverite). Sometimes they have single serving Gu gels, but no other Gu products. I found Zenergize Hydrate at a race expo for the first time, but since then I've ordered it online. I really don't like the additives they put in some of the more popular electrolyte tablets.

Hammer's Endurolytes is pure and additive free, but that also means flavor free, and all you get is the bitter metallic flavor of the electrolytes. I use it on long runs, but on the bike I prefer the more palatable Zenergize - plus the singly wrapped tablets make them easier to carry in a pocket. Zenergize does have stevia, if that bothers anyone.

(By the same token, @surgtech, Endurolytes is the only thing besides water that I'll put in my hydration vest. No sweeteners to get sticky or moldy, no flavors to linger, no colors to stain.)

Power Bars and Clif Bars (as well as the soy free, dairy free, gluten free Lara Bars that I prefer) come from the grocery store.


But it's whatever works for you. All this stuff is a convenience. Real food is cheaper and healthier if (1) you don't mind the hassle of preparing it and carrying it in a way that it doesn't spoil or get flattened, and if (2) your stomach will tolerate it on a hard or long effort. Sports nutrition is different for everyone, and I think everyone contributing to this thread has had a long road of trial and error figuring out the hard way what doesn't work for us.