Hydration and Food on longer rides

[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.