Challenging myself to a metric century for a Cancer Ride

[lgibster]

Update: I managed a 42.5 miles this last Sunday. Mostly flat terrain and I was out of gas at the end. Does anyone have trouble eating solid foods during a metric century? I tried the "Cuties" on Sunday and towards the end they bothered me a little. I use the GU packs on longer rides and they seem to keep my legs from cramping.

Any ideas as well on the best Chamois Cream a.k.a. "butt butter"? I am going to try for 45 miles or maybe a little more on Sunday if the weather will cooperate. Thanks for the help.

[Owlie]

I can't handle solid food on hot days. Anything more solid than a Shot Blok stands a good chance of becoming pavement decoration, or at least that's how it feels. (I'm okay with almonds provided I eat them a couple at a time, and spread it out, though. Weird.)
If it's a long ride, ~50 and up, say, I'll stop for real food, but I'll take a long break to digest.

[TrekDianna]

I'm ok with orange slices one at a time. Last 50 miler there was some "Dave's Killer bread" with peanut butter at the rest area and I did ok with that also, but I only had half a slice.

[Crankin]

Belgium Butt'r.
It doesn't have any of those bad chemicals, etc.

[ny biker]

I can't eat solid food during rides on hot days without feeling sick. I drink Gatorade (alternating with bottles of plain water because I can only take so much of it), and I like Gu and Gu Roctane gels and Gu Chomps. Also Jelly Belly Sports Beans are great. On really hot days, I don't love the taste of PowerBar gels but they have tons of sodium. I think the vanilla flavor is the best choice.

When it's not too hot, I'm able to eat some food. Before afternoon rides I often eat Pop-Tarts for lunch because they digest fast and don't feel heavy once I start riding, and lately I've been trying them for snacks during rides. They're okay but probably best for shorter rides. I've also bought lots of Craisins lately (they were on sale, buy 2 get 3 free) so will be trying them for ride snacks. I think I have some raisins in the pantry so maybe I'll mix them together.

For chamois cream -- I like Hoo Ha Ride Glide. It works well and is available in small packets for mid-ride touch-ups.

As you're learning, an important aspect of preparing for long "event" rides is to experiment with different things during training rides -- food before and during the ride, clothing and equipment -- so you have your best chance of enjoying the big event instead of dealing with unexpected discomfort from trying something for the first time. Earlier today I did a 48-mile charity ride which is one of my favorite rides of the year, and the folks at Power Bar were nice enough to contribute free products for the rest stops and post-ride picnic. They have a new product call "Performance Energy Blends" which is made with fruit puree. I took a free sample and will try it during a shorter ride, to minimize the impact if it doesn't agree with my stomach. I did have a real banana during the rest stop today and was fine with it, although during some summer rides I can't even look at a banana or other solid food.

[lgibster]

I made it 50.2 miles yesterday. 15 of that was pretty ugly, but I made it. Lessons learned: sunscreen rubs off in unexpected places. And chamois cream says reapply as needed for a reason. I went with chamois 'buttress for now and it worked. The food I used tiny dill pickles, cuties, and my Gu packs. I ate small amounts at 15 mile stops and didn't seem bothered. I ate a tiny piece of a Clif bar at 30 miles.

I adjusted my cleats last week and my feet were ok. Thanks for the tips and keep them coming. I am not certain I can make 68 miles, but I am still learning.

[lgibster]

Ok I finally decided to try my 60 mile training ride. I made it!! After a seat tweek of angling the nose downward I did ok. I need some advice though. My chamois decided to "creep" and I had to stop a couple of times to adjust the shorts. It seems to only happen soon after I apply the chamois cream. Is there any way to keep this from happening? I have lost some weight so was wondering if the shorts might be too big now? Help!! Only two weeks until my 68 mile attempt.