Quote Originally Posted by Crankin View Post
I've been on 3-4 tours, none of them as long or as many daily miles as your ride across the US. While I have never gained weight, I don't lose, either, despite the fact the daily mileage and climbing is more than what I'd be doing at home. Eating is a major part of the tours I've been on and like you, I get ravenously hungry from that level of intensity. Sometimes, when I am riding 40-60 miles a day, with lots of hard climbing, I have trouble eating lunch, especially when it's hot out. I've found that I need to to eat more, in little bits, as I ride, and then eat a small lunch with nothing that will upset my stomach. I can't sit around and have lattes, or beer , as other riders I've been with do.
My attitude is enjoy the trip, you've earned it, so to speak. Your main thing should be to fuel your body for the work it's going to be doing. You can back to your regular plan when you get home.
Well, there's no question I will enjoy it. Thankfully I do not like coffee and alcohol and bicycling do not mix for me. Even if I cut back my calories slightly from what I'll be burning it will still look like 3000-5000 calories per day. That's a lot of food! I am still trying to wrap my head around that. I suppose the best people to ask would be previous Big Ride participants.

Thanks for the tips on fueling though. I will have my handlebar bag fully stocked with spare gu brew/accelerade and snacks.

After my 200 mile memorial day weekend, I can't really fathom not losing weight, but I'm just a little worried about it. I suppose the awareness might be all I need.