Here comes yellow with her Hammer praising.

I was a skeptic. A friend of mine started using all the Hammer products last year (HEED, gel, Perpetuem, Recoverite, Endurolytes) and hit me all summer long with its praises. So this year when I started more intensive training, I switched over (I used to use Cytomax and assorted other energy foods, no real pattern).

After some experimentation, I found a routine that works for me ( I use a combination of the Hammer Gel, Perpetuem, and Endurolytes for longer rides, and generally just HEED and Endurolytes for the shorter rides). I have not yet bonked and I am never hungry (on rides, that is!). This includes 6-8 hour rides (and will be tested with about a 10 hour ride this weekend). I have really been AMAZED by the stuff. No, I do not work for or have any affiliation with Hammer or ECaps. It may not work for everyone, but it really seems to work for me.

My point: it really helped me to find a routine that works and to stick with it. Pay attention to the kinds of sugars in the drinks and bars. Don't make it too complicated (another reason I like the Hammer stuff, I just follow the instructions, no deep thought required).

Good luck. I hope you find your routine!