Goo, Powerbars, Powergel - HELP!?

[snapdragen]

There's a new product out, made from honey. It's called Honey Stinger, besides having honey in it, it's got B complex vitamins too.

From their website: Honey Stinger uses honey as the main source of carbohydrates, as opposed to man made carbohydrates commonly found in other energy gels. Studies show that honey is low on the glycemic index and therefore provides a long, steady source of energy instead of a spike and crash. Honey is also a natural source of antioxidants.

I found some at REI in San Carlos, but haven't had a chance to try it out yet - maybe when the Cindy rides go to Calaveras?

Janet

[jobob]

Originally posted by snapdragen
I found some at REI in San Carlos, but haven't had a chance to try it out yet - maybe when the Cindy rides go to Calaveras?

Oy, remind me to pack a stretcher for when I keel over on that ride.

[snapdragen]

Originally posted by jobob
Oy, remind me to pack a stretcher for when I keel over on that ride.

I'll just bring a big 'ol bungee cord, we can take turns pulling each other...OR Melissa has a nice light bike, she can pull us both!

[ragbrai40]

Thanks for checking your cupboard annie! That was exactly what I was looking for - how/when to use these products. As my rides get longer, harder, hillier I'm finding I need something but wasn't sure what to look for and when to use it.

Off subject answer to annie - Yes, I'm doing the whole week of ragbrai with our local bike club - they provide great support. Have you done/are you doing TOMRV?

[eastcoaster]

Truthfully, I didn't believe in Goo, Gatorade, etc, until I started racing. There's nothing in a PowerBar that you can't get in a peanut butter and banana sandwich on whole wheat bread. For training, I don't believe in wasting money on fake food.

My first experience with energy gel was when I stuffed the free packet (that I got with race registration) into my jersey before a 50 mile road race. Thanks to the race being totally unsupported, and me getting dropped off the back of the pack, I was hurting...until I ate the goo. Cross-country skiing has been a similar experience.

I've been doing endurance sports since 5th grade, and I've learned a thing or two during the years...what follows is my theory on race eating.

2-3 hours before the race: PB and banana, coffee, water. Stop drinking water 1.5 hours before race time (especially if you're doing a race that doesn't involve stopping at bathrooms!)

30-45 minutes before race time: PowerBar or Clif Bar, washed down with a few gulps of water

First 1.5 hours of the race: Drink water at all water stops.

If the race is longer than 1.5 hours, I eat a gel or half of a bar every hour, if not, I wait until the race is over to eat. Always drink water at every stop and in between (depends on how well the race is supported!)

Afterwards, eat fruit immediately, drink a whole lot of water, and then go out for a great meal, you've earned it!

[betagirl]

I really like Gu and Clif bars. I only do the chocolate gu and I like most of the clif bars. They seem to give me the most boost. I'm not a fan of PowerGel (blech).

[Luann]

Have any of you tried the Gu2o drink mix? It is nice because it is not big on flavor. I use it full strength and it tastes like gatorade diluted in half. But, you are still getting all of the electrolyte goodies at full strength. Mango is my fave.

[divscotty]

I make my own gooish. Honey, molasis and some salt. On a cold day it can be a bit hard to get out of the squeeze bottle. I got the bottle from a goo manufacturer it holds about 1/2 cup. Always carry 2 cliff bars also. Any ride over 20 miles I use gatorade.

I carry my goo bottle in an old cell phone carrier velcro'd to my stem.

Divscotty