Hydration and Food on longer rides

[MollyJ]

This is all very helpful to me. It is easy for my eating to out strip my calories. I have some very good ideas. I also have used Propel water which gives you electrolytes without calories and I can do that easily, too.

Thanks again, oh wise ones.

[OakLeaf]

I'm another one that when I run low during a ride, I don't feel hungry. My muscles ache, I get slower. Like nybiker, 90 minutes is about my limit without calorie intake, either running or cycling.

[Bike Writer]

I too, never feel hungry on a ride, but if riding over 90 minutes strange things start to happen. Just a little bit at first but it can rapidly become all out worn-out-pooped-out before you know it. It's no fun at all when you are miles from home or the car and your legs turn to jello. I've taught myself to carry an energy bar or snack. I really like the Clif bars, little bags of shelled and salted peanuts and have been experimenting with other stuff also. I tried GU gels and bought some Shot Blocs but haven't tried the Shot Blocs yet. I try to make myself eat a couple bites just over the hour mark if I know I'm going to be out on a long ride. I'll nibble a few bites over the course of the next half hour or 45 minutes. If I'm out longer than 2-2 1/2 hours I find that something other than water is necessary too.

Edited to add

I also tried a box of Detour energy bars from Costco on a recommendation, it's a variety pack but I don't really like them. They leave a chalky aftertaste. I'll use them up but will be sticking to Clif bars in the future, they have a more natural taste.

[Bike Writer]

I came across this article about fueling for cycling energy, it also addresses how our bodies process fuel. I found it to be an interesting read. Click here

[Swan]

It looks like everyone is going for some form of carb or protein...
I get by really well on carrot sticks and water, but I'm also kind of a riding newbie.

[MollyJ]

Bike Writer, that is really a helpful article for me and helps me to have an idea of what, when and how. I think ultimately it is about what works for the individual but it's good to start somewhere.

[Bike Writer]

Bike Writer, that is really a helpful article for me and helps me to have an idea of what, when and how. I think ultimately it is about what works for the individual but it's good to start somewhere.

Yes, there are some rules of thumb and tips about what kind of nutrition and fuel is the most efficient but it does come down to individual preference and tolerance. Some people have no problem with digesting something substantial and others can only handle liquids or semi solids. To each their own! Once you find what works for you, keep it up.

[Owlie]

I get very definite "Eat, idiot!" signals if I get hungry. The problem is, when I get to that point, there's not a lot I can do. I'll just spend the rest of the ride being hungry, no matter what I eat (unless I stop for actual food). So I try to keep myself from getting to that point.

It looks like everyone is going for some form of carb or protein...
I get by really well on carrot sticks and water, but I'm also kind of a riding newbie.

Carrots are starch storage for the plant. It's carbs, but in a different form.

[luvmyguys]

I came across this article about fueling for cycling energy, it also addresses how our bodies process fuel. I found it to be an interesting read. Click here

Interesting article with good advice. The thing is - how do you eat while riding (since I can't see him advocating a stop every 20 minutes)? I can do the safety things while riding - signal and such, get something to drink (although I'm more comfortable with my Camelbak), but I can't see getting something out of my jersey pockets without taking a tumble.

[Owlie]

Interesting article with good advice. The thing is - how do you eat while riding (since I can't see him advocating a stop every 20 minutes)? I can do the safety things while riding - signal and such, get something to drink (although I'm more comfortable with my Camelbak), but I can't see getting something out of my jersey pockets without taking a tumble.

Stop signs are good places. And getting something out of a jersey pocket isn't as hard as you think it is. (I actually have an easier time with that than I do grabbing a water bottle while riding.) And obviously, if you need to stop, do so when it's safe.

[luvmyguys]

Stop signs are good places. And getting something out of a jersey pocket isn't as hard as you think it is. (I actually have an easier time with that than I do grabbing a water bottle while riding.) And obviously, if you need to stop, do so when it's safe.

You can always drink a caloric beverage like HEED until you get more comfortable. Actually that's what I prefer to do on the bike, even though supposedly it isn't the best way to hydrate ... and even though I'm perfectly comfortable changing sunglasses while riding, just for instance. I mostly save solid food for when I stop.

I'm so not there yet. When I first started, I was barely letting go of the handlebars. I'm thrilled to be doing the basic safety things like signaling and drinking and pointing out road hazards.

Poor dh - his bike is so big that his bottle cage is so low that he has trouble reaching down to get it. He seems to have an easier time from the seat tube cage.

You may like a top tube bag. They are great places to store gels and small food items. TE has a few at very good prices.

Agree with Oak about the caloric beverage. This is why my gels usually go unused. I like to get a fruit smoothie from Bolthouse Farms and mix with water and a dash of salt for a healthful sport drink. More water equals less nutrition, of course. Just depends what I doing that day. Also like to add some protein powder. Or a couple tablespoons of Bolthouse Farms protein drink.

I like Bolthouse Farms, obviously. Berries and Mocha on the bike make me happy.

I mix that at home (do not, repeat, do no omit the salt). Obviously, I have to carry something more portable for refills.

The Bolthouse Farms drinks look good! I typically fill up one 20 oz bottle and one 16 oz bottle with some caloric drink (and put the water in my Camelbak). How much salt do you typically use?

I've been eyeing a top tube bag for a while, but I've also got a cue sheet holder on the bike that would go over the top tube bag. I'll need to see how accessible it is. The gels I've tried usually make me want to toss my cookies, but the Jelly Belly sport beans seem to go over okay - I'd probably put those in a top tube bag.

Tomorrow is my last training ride before the century, so nothing new is going to get tried between tomorrow and the century!

[Bike Writer]

Interesting article with good advice. The thing is - how do you eat while riding (since I can't see him advocating a stop every 20 minutes)? I can do the safety things while riding - signal and such, get something to drink (although I'm more comfortable with my Camelbak), but I can't see getting something out of my jersey pockets without taking a tumble.

Stop signs are good places. And getting something out of a jersey pocket isn't as hard as you think it is. (I actually have an easier time with that than I do grabbing a water bottle while riding.) And obviously, if you need to stop, do so when it's safe.

[QUOTE=Muirenn;675262]You may like a top tube bag. They are great places to store gels and small food items. TE has a few at very good prices.

Agree with Oak about the caloric beverage. Easy to access and use slowly. This is why my gels usually go unused. I like to get a fruit smoothie from Bolthouse Farms and mix with water and a dash of salt for a healthful sport drink. More water equals less nutrition, of course. Just depends what I plan for that day. Also like to add some protein powder. Or a couple tablespoons of Bolthouse Farms protein drink

Or a handlebar bag or basket where it's up front. I usually find that something makes me stop, whether it's for a photo, a street light, stop sign, even waiting for traffic to clear when crossing a main street during dirt road rides, so for me, it's not a problem, I don't normally wear jerseys and use a basket or my trunk bag for stuff.

[OakLeaf]

You can always drink a caloric beverage like HEED until you get more comfortable. Actually that's what I prefer to do on the bike, even though supposedly it isn't the best way to hydrate ... and even though I'm perfectly comfortable changing sunglasses while riding, just for instance. I mostly save solid food for when I stop.