I am a first time rider and I was wondering what others were going to be packing for snacks on the road. I was wondering what options were good for lots of fuel but are not too filling as I don't want to over eat and feel sick. Also, how often should one refuel while on the road? I know everyone is different however I was just wondering what others advice was on this situation.
Also, I was thinking about getting one of those water back packs to wear for the ride to ensure my rehydration is as easy as possible. Has anyone else used these?
Food and water/gatorade is provided at every rest stop.
They are placed about 25km apart, so you should have an hour of riding in between them.
You can stock up at each rest stop with snacks for the road, just choose carefully, some snacks are more bike friendly than others.
I had 1 water bottle last year, but this year I purchased another cage and will be carrying 2. I found I was rationing my liquid consumption too much with 1 bottle for every 25km, however, the upside was I never had to stop outside a rest stop for a bathroom break.
As a diabetic, I have to carry snacks that I know will keep my blood sugars at even keel. I make my own from a recipe I found, ironically, in a Weight Watchers magazine. If you want the recipe, I'll post it.
As for a camelback, that's the only rehydration method that I use. My father-in-law thought that it would be a wise idea if I kept both of my hands on my bike, as taking one hand off of my bike was one of the causes of my accident (or so he thinks). I find that they hold a lot of water, and you add powdered gatorade to it a lot easier than a bottle.
As has been said, unless you have special requirements or just have to have a certain item, there is no need to bring your own snacks.
I ride with 2 bottles as well. Usually one will be filled with water and the other with Gatorade. I'm prefer bottles to camelbacks simply because I prefer to have free flow of air rather than generating more sweat.
I do carry snacks. I carry gels and energy gummies (available and running and bike shops) energy bars or clif bars. I also carry electrolyte drink mix as I do not like Gator-aid. A couple of general rules: Drink the equivalent of one standard bike bottle and hour (big sip every 10 minutes whether you are thirsty or not (in fact on my bike computer I look at the elapsed time for the first 3/4 of the ride to stay disciplined about drinking)). And then one gel pack or its equivalent an hour.
The stops are 25 to 30 k apart at 25 k an hour (at least in the beginning) You can get to the second before you have to stop. Last year I ate a lot of bananas at the stops. There is also one lunch stop that has more substantial food (last year chicken wraps from then sponsor swiss chalet) but in fact it was too substantial for me and I was happy to stay with bananas and gel packs.
I carry about 4 snacks and two drink mixes so I can get through four bottles or four hours of riding on my own stuff that I know and like and have enough snacks to miss every other stop so I can ride fuled for two hours each time.
Lastly about Camel Backs. People who like them swear by them. However, I do not like having something on my sholders and back; also there is a cultural thing; mountain bike riders like and use them road bike riders seem to shun them, not sure why but just the way it is.
Thank you so much for all the wonderful input and information! I really appreciate it! I have been reading the posts on the forums for a while and they are very helpful especially for first time riders like myself. Looking forward to the ride and the more information I can obtain before the better! Thank you again!
One other big point, it's OK to skip the first stop but don't skip the last.
The last stop last year on the first day was a few clicks outside Dundas before we went down the escarpment. Lots of people skipped it.
I didn't, I was so glad i did, did a solid recharge and Ben Gay application before the Ancaster hill, best thing I ever did, must've passed 20 people on the hill.
One thing I found was when I do training rides, I don't eat properly and you get tired and fatigued. During the ride, with a nutrition break every hour, I probably could've done the 100mile course no problem.
It's all about making sure your body has adequate fuel for the job.
Thanks Jules! And I totally agree. I am the same way when I train too. It is not normally until I realize "oh wait, I am hungry and thirsty" when I refuel which in return makes me feel lousy. And that is one reason I was thinking about getting a camelback as I thought the more accessible my water the more likely I am to keep hydrated. I am happy the pit stops are set up the way they are as they will definitely keep my refueling on track.
P.S. Thanks for the heads up on making sure I don't skip the last stop. However, I definitely plan on taking a break at every stop and making sure I can make it to the finish line!!
I don't carry much in terms of snacks... mostly energy gummies.
However, I do make full use of every pit stop. You'll recognize me as the one standing near the food tent eating with both hands.
The first year I tried bringing food with me, but I found that I didn't like eating while riding.
In terms of water, I have two large water bottles that I carry in cages. Like others, I have plain water in one and usually gatorade or some other flavoured energy drink in the other.
Tip: If you decide to refresh yourself by spraying water on your head, be sure not to use the bottle with gatorade on it.
As has been said; if you have a basic level of fitness the key to finishing and feeling good is staying fueled and hydrated.
Start drinking right from the first 10 mins and keep it up. It is amazing that when you are working that hard the liquid gets used and does not necessitate stopping;). Remember if you find your self thirsty it is too late. Keep topped up.
Many have said one bottle of water and one bottle of electrolyte. The literature on the subject says the first bottle (the first hour of the ride) can be water, but after the first hour all drinks should include electrolytes as they need to be replaced in your body on a continuous basis to prevent cramping. having said that I find Gatorade too sweet/gummy so when I use the Rides Gatorade I do dilute it half and half with water. I guess you could do the same thing by drinking alternately from your bottles if one were water and the other Gatorade, but I like drinking from my front bottle and only switching once when it is empty.
My 2 cents and remember it isn't worth what it used to be and you get what you pay for.
If you're riding with two bottles of water, freeze one the night before. That way, if it's a hot day then you'll be sure to have cold water with you when you need it.
I use the half and half mix (water gatorade) in all my bottles, worked great last year. Orange is my fav ;)
I prepped my first bottles before I left the house, so I didn't fill up at the starting line, and drove through rest stop #1 so I didn't stop until the 50k mark.
Another thing, you will be very hungry at camp, don't skimp on the food, you need to recharge and build up energy for the second leg of the ride.
ADIAMOND: I was supposed to ride but due to an injured back - I backed down :(
So, I was recruited to run a pit stop instead. And yes, I was crew captain of PIT 2 on the M route last year but this year I am on the KM Route (Pit 2).
Gels, definitely gels. Small. light weight, and you can easily stuff them in your jersey or saddle bag. Have enough for both days, approximately 1 per 45 minutes of riding. Try to stay away from those with caffeine. Clif, Hammer and Gu are three I use often and they really do make a difference. I did 120 k last weekend and consumed 1 every hour. Still felt good when I got home. Good luck, enjoy the event, and don't worry. There are so many great people involved, anytime you need something, they'll be there.
