I think that it is better not to eat anything heavy such as dinner before the ride. But snack is important because you do need your energy. One of the best thing for me is a good fruit salad. I love it as a snack, plus it has your natural sugar that will keep you going. Btw, I forgot to mention that I don't drink any coffee. I think that it is false energy boost. It brings you up but then drops you down just as hard. But again, everybody is different.