Honey test

[Jon George]

I've extended my weekday daily spins this week (from 20 miles to 25) and been experimenting with honey as an extra energy source, along with my usual bundle of fig rolls and breakfast bars. I bought a small, squeezable bottle of it, which is easy to carry and easy to slurp from. Seems to be working - certainly tastes delicious.

 

[ttcycle]

Energy gels are disgusting tasting and for me a very last resort if I'm vastly heading towards bonk central, jelly babies are much more preferable to me.

Honey, that's an interesting one, however, looking at what you've listed, have you considered some good fats ie nuts as an energy source as you've got carbs, sugar and not much else. You need some protein and some healthy fats

 

[Dusty Bin]

It's basically pure sugar that you are necking there - and I doubt it's doing you any good. Unless your 20-25 milers are taking in excess of two hours, then I would suggest you don't bother taking any energy food with you at all - you really don't need it.

 

[steveindenmark]

I find taking nuts and raisins are plenty enough for 20-25 miles.

Steve

 

[snorri]

Is the OP going for cycle fitness or weight gain?

 

[Albert]

25 miles - why do you need any food at all, beyond what you have at mealtimes? Just water should be enough.

 

[buggi]

[QUOTE 2784155, member: 45"]I wouldn't take food for 25 milers.[/quote]
cuz he's 'ard!

 

[Jon George]

Whilst I can do 20 miles without the need of an energy boost to prevent any onset of bonking, I've found 25 begins to take me into the zone. Jellybabies/fruit-and-nut bars/cake/chocolate all get their chance for my longer runs, along with a High5 carb drink, but basically I'm just having fun experimenting with squeezable honey. (A tad cheaper than gels and makes me think of summer. )

 

[Dusty Bin]

Whilst I can do 20 miles without the need of an energy boost to prevent any onset of bonking, I've found 25 begins to take me into the zone. Jellybabies/fruit-and-nut bars/cake/chocolate all get their chance for my longer runs, along with a High5 carb drink, but basically I'm just having fun experimenting with squeezable honey. (A tad cheaper than gels and makes me think of summer. )

I think you may be confusing the bonk with fatigue. The two are very different.

 

[Jon George]

I think you may be confusing the bonk with fatigue. The two are very different.

I believe the 'bonk' refers to low glucose levels - which is exactly what I meant - whilst fatigue is generally another word for exhaustion. (Which I only really experience after doing 80 or more miles or continually pushing into the red-zone during my shorter spins.)

 

[Dusty Bin]

As a matter of interest - if you genuinely take that amount of food with you on a 20 miler - how much do you take on 80..?

 

[vickster]

Do you not just have some porridge or a meal before the cycling? Are you really hammering it at pro speeds, as I think Suffolk is flat? Or are you diabetic or similar?

Gels are foul, that said I don't much like honey unless its on a warm German prezel roll with a good layer of proper full fat butter underneath This is an indulgence when available on a hotel breakfast buffet while travelling

 

[Jon George]

As a matter of interest - if you genuinely take that amount of food with you on a 20 miler - how much do you take on 80..?

Four times as much? Seriously, just to clarify, I practically never eat anything on a 20 miler, but 25-30 induces the first signs on the bonk if I don't, so that's why I decided to play around with honey as an alternative to the propriety gloop. Even though a recent health check shows everything okay with regards to sugar levels, my late father suffered late-onset diabetes and I'm - probably over-sensitively - aware of the signs. Oh, and I'm intending to give porridge a go next week - probably with honey.

 

[vickster]

Jelly babies...bite off head first

 

[ayceejay]

You need complex carbohydrate to fuel your ride (porridge is good) and simple carbohydrate in the form of glucose if you get caught out. If you get into sucking on honey because it tastes good and gives you a buzz - beware. Any simple carbohydrate (basically sugar) will be a temporary fix.