Keeps your energy level up!

[cycleguy]

Hi all

Went on another group ride in NH lastnight with the LBS in Nashua...it was a 28 mile ride, fast paced.

I brought along some Gu packs.. its an energy gel pack. What a difference! I ate about 3 of these during the ride and it kept me fully fueled and feeling great at the end. No caffeine, just carbs/sugar to keep you going.. there are others like this that I am sure work just as well. It was amazing the difference.. I did not feel drained at all after the ride... recovered great!

No matter what the bike, keeping the right energy levels makes it all work. But, man, the Silvio felt great on such a long ride!

Harold

 

[Mark B]

cycleguy wrote: Hi all

Went on another group ride in NH lastnight with the LBS in Nashua...it was a 28 mile ride, fast paced.

I brought along some Gu packs.. its an energy gel pack. What a difference! I ate about 3 of these during the ride and it kept me fully fueled and feeling great at the end. No caffeine, just carbs/sugar to keep you going.. there are others like this that I am sure work just as well. It was amazing the difference.. I did not feel drained at all after the ride... recovered great!

No matter what the bike, keeping the right energy levels makes it all work. But, man, the Silvio felt great on such a long ride!

Harold

If you can find it, try Hammer Gel. They have a website; http://www.hammernutrition.com/

I've used the Hammer Gel and the e-caps on double centuries. Wonderful products.

Mark

 

[cycleguy]

yes, I just bought Hammer gel today at a bike shop.. they recommended it too. I'll be trying it tomorrow.

Harold

 

[Mark B]

I believe energy gels and the like are great products for their intended purpose. I think a lot of people get to thinking they cannot ride without them. I see people all the time downing these gels like there's no tomorrow. I'd rather eat something. But, when it comes to endurance events, sometimes you need all the help you can get. I just don't think an everyday club ride is occasion, but that's just me and I appear to be in the minority. I'm also the kind of guy that does not like pills unless I absolutely need them and I'd sooner lop off my foot than take a hypodermic.

Mark

 

[Kamatu]

On something that short (I'm comparing to a 12 mile road march in 3 hours or less with 50lb pack, helmet, web gear and weapon), I'd prefer to eat a load of pasta the night before and hydrate a few hours before with electrolytes. During the event, plain water and lots of it with no ice. That should give your body more than enough energy for a sustained event of a few hours duration.

I may be out of date, but having to bother with digestion of even simple carbs sucks energy out of you and sugar interferes with absorbing fluids into the body.

I might make a variation on plain water by adding in something like lemon juice (no sugar) and possibly something like the old Equinox Liquid Mineral Complex (Essence of Life).

 

[Hotdog]

Yeah, I've heard it said that your body stores plenty of energy for 1-1.5 hours of exertion so there's not much to be gained from eating during a ride of that sort of length (apart from a psycological boost, perhaps ). Personally I just drink plain water if I won't be riding for long, but for 80+km (50+ miles) I'll drink sports drink instead to replenish carbs and electrolytes as I go along and maybe supplement with 'real food' like bananas or dried fruit and nuts.

 

[Mark B]

I agree with Harold that these energy gels are very helpful when you have depleted your stores. I disagree with the way they are marketed/used as an everyday riding aid. There is no real substitution for proper nutrition and hydration. Everything else is just a band-aid. BUT.... That being said, if you push yourself beyond your boundaries, it's better to suck down a little gel and get home than to curl up in the fetal position alongside the road.

Mark

 

[Kamatu]

Mark B wrote: That being said, if you push yourself beyond your boundaries, it's better to suck down a little gel and get home than to curl up in the fetal position alongside the road.
Mark

Oh yeah and the number one thing you need is water. It is possible to overhydrate (I've seen it happen) and flush too many minerals out of your system, but salt tablets, mineral supplement liquids and very weak mixes of Powerade type drinks can fix that. You body has a LOT of energy, but it takes time to get it and you will have to slow down.

 

[cycleguy]

Mark B wrote: There is no real substitution for proper nutrition and hydration. Everything else is just a band-aid. BUT.... That being said, if you push yourself beyond your boundaries, it's better to suck down a little gel and get home than to curl up in the fetal position alongside the road.Mark

Absolutely... I've learned so much this past winter on proper nutrition before you even get on the bike. But on long, fast intense rides, there is a need for an energy gel like Gu, or Hammer. It made a HUGE difference in my performance.

Harold