Quote Originally Posted by kajero View Post
I went on a 34 mile ride yesterday. The weather was gorgeous. I went on trails.

Today I am exhausted but have no sore muscles. All I want to do is sleep and eat chocolate. It isn't too much of problem (well the chocolate probably is) because I don't have a job anymore and can "loaf" during the day. I still don't like the lack of energy feeling.

This happens frequently when I got on rides over 12-15 miles.

What causes this? Am I eating/drinking incorrectly before/during/after the ride? How many miles should I ride before taking a break? How long should the break be? I do take breaks of about ten minutes every 20 miles.

I usually have a banana and peanut butter toast before the ride
I had been eating the Special K protein bars during the ride, but I really don't like them that much.
I do make sure to eat protein (cottage cheese, cheese, almonds), have an apple or orange, and drink lots of water after the ride.
Protein is for repairing and growing muscle. Carbohydrates are for replenishing energy. If you're craving sugar then you probably need more carbs.