gel packs, how to use?

[Rohloff_Brompton_Rider]

hi all,

bought some gel energy pack thingy's. 60ml. when do you use them? before a ride then regularly? or just when you feel like your going to bonk? are they any good?

cheers

shaun

 

[phil_hg_uk]

I used mine today just before my body went, GOD HELP ME I HURT DO SOMETHING NOW and in a few mins I was as right as rain

 

[addictfreak]

Each gel gives an energy source of around 30 minutes. That doesnt mean you take six in a three hour event! If youve kept your glycogen levels topped up prior to your event you should be okay for the first hour. Then if youre drinking a suitable energy drink during the event youll also be topping up as you go. A gel can be an invaluable physical and psychological aid around the one hour mark then possibly again 30 mins before the finish. Anyway, after three youre sick of the sweetness of them and would kill for something savoury.
During the interim you should have been eating an energy bar, a banana or, depending on the length of the event, a ham and cheese sandwich. Use gels sparingly, theyre an expensive way to get energy into your body. But boy do they work!

http://www.cyclosport.org/article.aspx?id=94​

 

[Rohloff_Brompton_Rider]

ok i think i understand. so if i was going on a hilly 6 hour ride, taking butties, bananas and a flask of coffee. i would eat pasta / baked spuds the night before. then eat regularly thu out. from the 3 hour mark onwards, i would start to think about using them if i was starting to feel iffy? i'm not competitive but do start to fade on longer rides than usual and unfortunately getting home is always very hilly. so i could use these to get home when i start fading. i'm sure as i get fitter i won't need them. just like my first 20 miler, killed me but now is just easy. does this sound right?

 

[TheDoctor]

How to use them?
Take a good strong grip.
Pull your arm back.
Now throw as hard as possible

They're *horrible* IMHO.