road biking questions

[Mary G]

Hi everyone! It's been a while since I've posted something, though I am a regular reader.

Anyway, I am in the midst of training for a big bike ride (250-mi over three days) at the end of August, and was looking for some advice. What sort of nourishment would you suggest? So far, I've just been drinking lots of water. Yesterday, my DH and I did our longest ride yet...50 miles. In addition to water, I carried some graham crackers (which seemed to make me thirsty), and a mixture of dried fruit (apricots, raisins, cranberries, and cherries). Those seemed to do well.

Also, any general advice, suggestions, tips, and motivation would be great! (and think good thoughts with my fundraising...bleah!):(

Thanks everyone!:)

[Natasha]

Hi Mary,
You are awesome! Good going. What are you raising funds for?
As for nourishment, it's a matter of trial and error and seeing what works best for you. Obviously hydration is key, as is replenishing carbs to keep your glycogen stores up. A little protein is good too. Really, though, it's so subjective. While you train, maybe try this and that (as you have been) and see what agrees with you.
There are more energy bars, gels, and drinks out there than you could ever try. These are sometimes a bit pricey but often worth it (IMHO) for their convenience and because many are very well-balanced (and yummy too)! These include Power Bars, Clif Bars, Luna Bars, GenSoy, Promax, Power Gels, GU...maybe try out a few before buying a box and see what you like/what works for you and your husband! Also, you will want to be sure not to have anything unfamiliar before your event. Tried & true will carry you through! :)
Please keep us posted. If you want more info on specific foods or energy bars, drinks, etc., just ask - I do know a fair bit about this from experience and would be more than happy to help. There is also a thread somewhere on this board about favorite energy bars, if you're interested.
Sorry to ramble. Sports nutrition is a big interest of mine!

BTW, I would be interested in hearing more about your race. Have you done other races of this type too? Sounds like so much fun!

Cheers,
Natasha

[SusanT]

Bananas are a big favorite of bikers because of the potassium. You can also eat them while you ride if you're comfortable with riding without hands for a second. Peanut butter sandwiches make a great lunch for long rides. You pretty much want to eat before you get very hungry. Lots of nibbling!

Good luck on your ride!

[SusanT]

I forgot something - be careful using GU or Powergel for the first time. The first time I tried a gel was on a long ride and I discovered that they make me very nauseous.

[food girl]

Way to go Mary!! Where will you be riding and what is the cause?

I have done a few century rides and a handful of two day rides like the tour de cure and MS 150. I ride around 100 miles a week.

My personal favorite foods are chocolate gels and strawberry nutragrain bars. I am not a fan of those dry or chewy bars.
I love having fruit but sometimes the fiber doesn't sit well and bananas turn into "banana gel" in my jersey pocket. If I am planning a long ride I try to work in a stop at a conveince store. I have been know to eat anything from powdered dougnuts to a corn dog! I wouldn't recommend Doritos - though I did have my best sprint ever after eating a bag of M&M's. Have you thought about putting out a stash? We would put gatorade, powerbars or little debbie cakes at a school or church along the route before the ride so that we would not have to carry so much with us.

Are you drinking a sport drink too? I have found that I feel 100% better if I drink straight gatorade from the start. Yes, it does make you thirsty but you want something that will replenish your salt and potassium.

good luck and keep the rubber side down,
Lisa

[Mary G]

Hi everyone. Thanks for all the encouraging words!

I am riding in the National Bike Ride for the Family, which is ride that is occurring in every state over the period of two years. It is in support of Focus on the Family. Being married just over a year, a strong family is something that is very important to me. (Let me know if you want more details...I don't want to make people feel like I am soliciting here...that seems to have been a touchy subject in the past.)

I will try a Luna bar for one of my upcoming longer rides. Maybe it's just me, but I never feel like I am "hard core" enough to use them! So yes, Natasha, fill me in on all that sports nutrition know-how!

Since it will be a rather organized ride (with only a handful of riders!), I think the stops along the way will be well stocked. I am not too worried about dehydration, as it has become almost a nervous twitch of mine to take a sip, especially at the crest of any hill! :D

This is a first time for me. I actually only got my road bike (a snazzy used one!) in late March. Throughout college I was fine with my mountain bike, and it seemed more pratical at the time. The first time I did some rides on the road bike, I was tickled at how much faster and easier it was on the skinny tires!

So, I should get back to work. Thanks again for the encouraging words, and I'll keep you posted! Cross your fingers for a sunny afternoon...I was planning on riding home from work (32 miles) but we've been having T-storms every afternoon for the past week and a half, and I'm hoping that won't be the case today! (Otherwise, my bike just went for a ride in the back of the car!:rolleyes: )

mary

[Laura]

A friend of mine did the Ironman and he swore by pancakes wrapped around peanut butter and bananas for the bike ride. Seemed like a lot of effort to me (both the race and the snack:rolleyes: ), but he found it better than many of the hi-energy bars you can buy.