Eating on the bike
Yesterday I rode 59 miles on my bike, working my way through a training program to take me to riding 100 miles, a bike century, in Hampton Beach, NH, in September. It took me just under 4 hours riding time, and the big question is: what do I eat while biking to keep my energy levels up?
I use a combination of methods. One is hydration: a water bottle full of water, and a 50-ounce capacity Camelbak backpack that I fill with Accelerade. I sip on the Accelerade, a combination of carbohdyrate and protein for energy and staying power, throughout the ride. I primarily drink the water when I stop for 3-5 minutes to rest and refuel.
Eating while biking needs to be simple, easy, and definitely not messy. My solution? I broke up two different energy bars into smaller pieces: an Odwalla Peanut Crunch bar wtih 240 calories, 37 grams carbohdyrate, and 8 grams protein; and a Cliff Bar Banana Nut Bread (new flavor!) bar with 250 calories, 43 grams carbohdyrate, and 10 grams protein. I put the pieces in a ziplock sandwich bag that I stashed in my handlebar bag. I left the baggie open so I could easily reach in with one hand, grab a bite, and eat. Every 3 miles or so I'd either take a bite of energy bar and wash it down with a few sips of Accelerade, or just drink more Accelerade.
At the half-way point, I stopped and ate 1/2 peanut butter sandwich, washed down with about 8 ounces of water. I found after riding 53 miles last week that I need something that's NOT sweet at this point.
The results? I felt great the entire ride, had plenty of water and Accelerade, ate all my food, and didn't get nauseous or cramped. Success!
The key is to bring a bit more fuel than you think you need. I also take along $10, in case I need to stop for more beverage or food. Next week I ride 65 miles, so I think I'll bring along an extra energy bar (3 different flavors, so I don't get bored with just one flavor) and a whole peanut butter sandwich. I'll let you know how it goes!
Enjoy the ride,
Lynn
I use a combination of methods. One is hydration: a water bottle full of water, and a 50-ounce capacity Camelbak backpack that I fill with Accelerade. I sip on the Accelerade, a combination of carbohdyrate and protein for energy and staying power, throughout the ride. I primarily drink the water when I stop for 3-5 minutes to rest and refuel.
Eating while biking needs to be simple, easy, and definitely not messy. My solution? I broke up two different energy bars into smaller pieces: an Odwalla Peanut Crunch bar wtih 240 calories, 37 grams carbohdyrate, and 8 grams protein; and a Cliff Bar Banana Nut Bread (new flavor!) bar with 250 calories, 43 grams carbohdyrate, and 10 grams protein. I put the pieces in a ziplock sandwich bag that I stashed in my handlebar bag. I left the baggie open so I could easily reach in with one hand, grab a bite, and eat. Every 3 miles or so I'd either take a bite of energy bar and wash it down with a few sips of Accelerade, or just drink more Accelerade.
At the half-way point, I stopped and ate 1/2 peanut butter sandwich, washed down with about 8 ounces of water. I found after riding 53 miles last week that I need something that's NOT sweet at this point.
The results? I felt great the entire ride, had plenty of water and Accelerade, ate all my food, and didn't get nauseous or cramped. Success!
The key is to bring a bit more fuel than you think you need. I also take along $10, in case I need to stop for more beverage or food. Next week I ride 65 miles, so I think I'll bring along an extra energy bar (3 different flavors, so I don't get bored with just one flavor) and a whole peanut butter sandwich. I'll let you know how it goes!
Enjoy the ride,
Lynn
posted by Lynn Grieger and Mike Ryan at
8:36 AM
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