Darryl

I love cycling.  Although I am more of a road cyclist myself….I love all bikes and totally love to see people riding them.  I crave to make it my only means of transportation.  I blog about all things associated in and around the bike….and you can think of our Loving the Bike site as a place that talks about cycling as a lifestyle.  I believe that everything in life revolves around a bike….and it’s better because of it.  In my opinion, the bike is the coolest commonality found between people and I think that is so awesome.  I am very happy to belong to the cycling blog community….these bloggers rock.

Why am I Loving the Bike?

I am loving the bike because it provides me with a means to keeping my body in good physical condition while enjoying every single minute of it. I love it because of the solitude and meditative state that is brings me to every time I’m on it. I love the connection it gives our family when out on a ride together. I love the craftsmanship and beauty of the design. I love the camaraderie and brotherhood among riders. I love the speed and knowing that I am moving myself solely by my own power. I love the fact that there is no better means of environmentally friendly transportation than the bike. I am simply loving the bike.

Find Darryl and Loving the Bike Featured at:

Nutrition Disclaimer: Nutritional posts and comments by Kelli Jennings are the real deal and she is backed by her accreditation as a Registered Dietician.  Any of the nutrition comments and tips that I provide are educated comments…..I am not a physician or licensed dietician, but I’ve been involved in the health and nutrition industry for the past 20 years and try to provide some useful tips that might help you out.


  • Mikegwelch

    Great site Darryl and love the energy you bring to the table. I listen to the podcast weekly (I wish there were daily). Keep up the most excellent work. You have been an inspiration to me as well as many.

  • http://www.poweredbyusana.blogspot.com Bikedan

    Do you live and race in Austin?  

    • http://lovingthebike.com Darryl is Loving the Bike

      Yes, I do live in Austin now.  I do lots of cycling, but am not into the race scene at the moment.

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  • http://captextri.com Gabe Soto

    Great writing all the way around. I look forward to reading blogs and tweets all the time. See you around Austin.

  • http://smallwheelsbigsmile.blogspot.com/ taiwoon

    amazing stuff! and very nice to see likeminded folks. I am from Singapore btw!

  • http://mybasslures.info Myrna CG Mibus

    Great post Darryl! Great to see you setting such a fine fitness example for your kids.

  • http://www.fishingreferences.com halibut fishing

    Congratulations for the brilliant blog posting! I found your post very interesting, I think you are a brilliant writer. I added your blog to my bookmarks and will return in the future. I want to encourage you to continue that marvelous work, have a great daytime!

  • http://bike-bliss.com Cherilyn

    It’s so amazing to hear the stories of folks who have fallen in love with biking again as adults. I know I’m having a blast!

  • http://breastaugmentationdallastx.com Aron Rombult

    YES! Great piece, keep up the terrific work. This is the type of information that should gain recognition for it’s craft. More writers should learn from you. This is right on the money

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What’s the best fuel for an early morning ride?

Question: Out of habit, I’ve always eaten cereal (granola) before my morning ride.  For the last several weeks, I’ve been riding at 6am to avoid the heat, and eating at 5:30 am.  I haven’t had any stomach issues, but I am not sure that this is the best pre-ride meal strategy. My legs have felt heavy since starting to ride earlier.  My rides are 1.5-2 hours.  Should I eat less, something different, or nothing at all?  What do you think?

Kelli’s Answer: I think your pre-ride fuel strategy can be improved.  The issue with eating a moderately high fiber breakfast within 30 minutes of beginning a ride is that it will likely take too long to digest, absorb, and metabolize to provide any energy to your muscles at all.  And, what’s more, if the meal is setting in your stomach, you are increasing your risk of stomach cramps (but it sounds like you’ve been okay here) and a reduced bloodflow to your legs since your body is working at digesting.

Although many athletes feel like they need a full breakfast before a morning ride, I think you’ll have better result with less food, and ones that you can eat quickly and metabolize faster.

My first choice would be 2 Tablespoons organic honey + 0.5 – 1 Tbsp organic coconut oil (all straight off the spoon).  Why? These are fast-acting, quick-metabolizing energy foods.  The honey provides moderately fast carbs that act similarly to maltodextrin (moderately fast and longer lasting than glucose), natural enzymes to improve digestion, and antioxidants.  The organic coconut oil provides fast-acting medium chain triglycerides which are used directly by the mitochondria of cells (energy producers) without the need for bile or slow digestion.

Another option would be a sports food with a moderate amount of protein – something like a Clif bar. Or, a smoothie with 1/4 cup yogurt, 1/2 banana, 1 Tbsp honey, and water.  These foods will also digest quickly and provide energy during your ride.

And, don’t forget about 8 oz. of fluid.

During your ride, especially if high intensity and over 60 minutes, or moderate intensity and over 90 minutes, you’ll still need during-ride fuel as well.  With all rides in heat, you’ll want fluids and lytes!

Please send us your questions for our Expert Sports Nutritionist, Kelli Jennings to “Ask the Sports Nutritionist“. Kelli Jennings is a Registered Dietitian with a passion for healthy eating, wellness, & sports nutrition. For more information go to www.apexnutritionllc.com.
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