Rest breaks

[Big Nick]

Did my longest ride to date today at just over 32 miles as had a rare day off on a sunny day!!

Just wondered how often others stop for a break when cycling?

I was drinking every 5 miles or so but doing so on the move so I just kept riding. I must admit the last 5 miles was tougher than the previous 27

I had a bowl of porridge and plenty to drink prior to setting off but should I be looking to eat something while out and take a break at that sort of mileage to keep my energy up?

Only been cycling around 3 months btw so a total novice

 

[morrisman]

Depends on what you call a break. I did 75 on Saturday and stopped at 15 to have a drink/fig roll, 25 for banana/drink, 40 latte and cake, 60 for fig roll/drink and the end. Only the latte/cake stop was for more than 4/5 mins.

 

[SatNavSaysStraightOn]

If I need to stop, I stop and just stand over the bike for a few mins eating something. But that is much rarer nowadays.
If I am on a much longer ride, I will factor in a rest break (stop & physically sit down) every 90-120 mins (due to a couple of medical conditions that need to be carefully monitored).
Personally I don't find a bowl of porridge to be enough for me (and even on tour it was not) so will include several rounds of toast/bread & jam as well as something like a hot chocolate to get me going.
Snacks on route tend to me nuts & fruit of one form or another unless I am dead on my feet and really needing a 'pick up'.
Lunch on longer rides (+50 miles) would be either beans on toast (if a café stop in available) otherwise sandwiches (bread & jam, bread and peanut butter etc) with a coffee or tea and a proper 30 mins rest minimum.

 

[Cameronmu917772]

Take some money with you and plan roughly where you are going. It never hurts to stop for 30 mins for something quick and light to eat and a wee beer halfway through.
I'm all about my pooched eggs at the moment so before I head out it's normally 1 strong coffee couple of smokes then 3/4 just under cooked poached eggs on two piece bacon on slice of toast. Then throw in a couple of weetabix for good measure. With plenty of OJ
I carry between two and three 500 ml lucazade bottles with week orange juice in them. I never seem to finishes them though. Oh and I'm only really doing around 100 miles a week

P.s I don't know if I'm doing it right :s but I'm not exactly training to become pro lol

 

[JoeyB]

On a 100km ride I will generally stop at the halfway point for food especially if its an Audax control. Then maybe at 75 or so for a gel / chocolate bar depending on what I have on me and how I'm feeling.

 

[SatNavSaysStraightOn]

On a 100km ride I will generally stop at the halfway point for food especially if its an Audax control. Then maybe at 75 or so for a gel / chocolate bar depending on what I have on me and how I'm feeling.

given the OP's longest ride to date is 32 miles, I suspect he may need a touch more than that at the moment! I certainly do and I commute a 22 mile route (each way) 2 or 3 times a week at the moment.

 

[HorTs]

On a 100km ride I will generally stop at the halfway point for food especially if its an Audax control. Then maybe at 75 or so for a gel / chocolate bar depending on what I have on me and how I'm feeling.

I'll remember this for tomorrow night

 

[Stephen Piper]

I don't like drinking on the move , so may take a short break to avoid choking on my squash (I'm obviously not a racer). I also enjoy the longer 'cafe stop' club rides of about 60-80 miles which are really just an excuse to eat chips (other foods are available).

 

[JoeyB]

I'll remember this for tomorrow night

Ah, night rides are different I don't know how yet, but they are lol

 

[MikeW-71]

I'll drink on the move, but stop to eat and a 5 minute time-out. For 32 miles I probably wouldn't take any food, but for longer than that I have some food each hour.

 

[Saluki]

If I am on a 32 miler I will stop for a cuppa, mostly because the OH isn't wildly fit (neither am I at the mo but that's beside the point). Also, the cuppa break motivates him to go further and more often as we explore cake shops over Norfolk.
I take a bit of flapjack with me on longer rides and some (a packet of) Jelly Babies. I don't know if they help but I love jelly babies. Water of course, I drink every 5 or 6 miles or so, more often if I need it.

 

[Cuchilo]

For 30 odd miles I will take a bottle of water and maybe chuck a kitkat in my pocket ( although now the sun is coming out i'll need to find another snack ) I would probably drink half the water and not eat the snack but I prefer it there than not having it if I want it . I don't normally stop and the only time I did was on a 65 mile ride and I just got cold and wanted to go home . Not good when youre 30 miles away from home .

 

[helston90]

I similarly did 31 miles on Monday which is long for me- stopped only twice, but mainly at pretty places- The Lizard village and Poldhu beach, really I didn't need to stop but I had my new Sky jersey on and fancied a pose!
There is no right or wrong answer- it also depends on the weather as much as the distance.

 

[coffeejo]

I'll happily do 40 miles or thereabouts without a proper break for food, whether on the hoof or at a cafe / pub, though I usually stop several times during the ride to take photos. The best guide is your body - if you feel you need to stop, then do so before you hit the wall, not after. The crawl of shame home isn't much fun at all.

 

[Ernie_RBR]

Take plently of fluilds, small sips and often as you can and always bring a few snacks to keep topped up.. I've provided some examples below , however there are loads of different foods you can have its all do to you on what you choose to bring on a ride.

Bananas are snacks ready to roll; they are famous for their potassium and contain carbohydrates that may provide advantages to your muscles' ability to use the fuel efficient.

Dried fruits and nuts are a concentrated source of carbohydrates. Dried apricots, prunes and raisins have the added benefit of potassium. Mix your favorite fruits with nuts and seeds to keep your body supplied with energy, however if you have a heavy sweat rate try using salted nuts and seeds.

Energy Bars / Power Gels: While energy bars are convenient, they can also be expensive. If you would like to use energy bars, look for one that has ingredients such as whole grains, dried fruits and nuts.I only really use these for longer rides ie 80+ miles / cycling events and competitions.

I always have a small tin of coke on me just in case i need a quick boost of energy.

Good Luck.... Remember you body is like a car engine it needs fuel to work ...No fuel = BONK