Newbie In Need

[Aron Dodd]

Hey guys, im a new cyclist and have been training for a 100m ride thats happening in may. might sound silly but i need advice on energy gels and drinks. what to look out for and what to avoid type thing. ta muchly

 

[vickster]

Why do you need energy gels? Porridge for breakfast, normal food, flapjacks, jelly babies

 

[Paulus]

I get by on a 100 with no more than some Jordans cereal bars and a few bananas and maybe a cheese sandwich or two on the way. A big bowl of porridge with honey and some berries for breakfast. Take two water bottles filled with 50/50 water and orange juice and keep sipping as you go. The old adage is--drink before you are thirsty and eat before you are hungry.
If you want to go down the gel route, there are many different flavours available from bike shops, plus carb powder to mix into your water bottles. You may want to try some first as some of them do not taste too good.

 

[morrisman]

Another vote for real food, porridge/honey/banana for breakfast, fig rolls in your jersey and two water bottles, I use weak no-added sugar squash.

 

[Aron Dodd]

Why do you need energy gels? Porridge for breakfast, normal food, flapjacks, jelly babies

thats what i mean i have no idea.. i just got told that energy gels are a good thing to have..

 

[Aron Dodd]

thaks for the help.. looks like good old porridge then

 

[vickster]

Have look through some of the recent threads in the health and fitness forum, plenty about food and what not, it's is an organised ride, if so they'll probably hand out gels etc but IMO they are nasty and cause tummy wobbles if not used to them. So much better to bite the heads and feet off jelly babies and eat cake

 

[Sully]

Millions of cyclists use gels, it's down to the individual, I'd also recommend having a good brekkie and topping up as your on your ride, banana and honey sandwich, fantastic

 

[SatNavSaysStraightOn]

I find gels tend to give me heartburn. Bars & snacks don't. Stick with normal regular food and keep the gels for emergencies (such as bonking and needing to refuel last). I still carry a gel with me on most rides, but rarely ever use it (except yesterday when I did bonk and needed it badly).

 

[Old Plodder]

A good supper the night before, followed by a good breakfast on the day, plus 2 bottles.
I put 2 tabs of High5 Zero Electrolyte Drink in a 750ml bottle (replaces lost body salts) in mine, but you need to get used to them before the day.
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/energy-recovery-drink/
I have just recently experimented with High5 EnergySource 4:1 with Super carbs (1.6kg tub) http://www.wiggle.co.uk/40-off-select-high5-drinks-uk/ it replaces lost body salts & gives you some 'food', again, try before the day.

 

[Nicola10]

Go onto high5 website, they have info about different types to use. I think they recommend too much to consume, but thats just me. I bought the high5 race pack for 6.99 from wiggle, there is loads in the box and it seems plenty for a 100 mile cycle.

 

[Gravity Aided]

I just use gatorade cut 50% with water for rehydration, and normal food.

 

[HB_Dude]

Another vote for real food, porridge/honey/banana for breakfast, fig rolls in your jersey and two water bottles, I use weak no-added sugar squash.

Yup, same here..... this is all you need.

 

[Fab Foodie]

I always try and use REAL FOOD.
I know it's a trifle old fashioned (see what I did there), but REAL FOOD is available all over the place in lots of different varieties to suit your mood.
Nothing wrong with having an energy drink, flat coke, diluted fruit juice whatever you fancy and a gel in reserve, but otherwise go with REAL FOOD.

 

[Pale Rider]

Another vote for real-ish food.

Jaffa Cakes and/or fruit cake used to be used by professional footballers and jockeys.

Gels don't appeal to me, but several keen cyclists have told me they have their place as an emergency ration.