Ironically, I might not be able to ride in the LIVESTRONG Challenge Austin this year…it will be the first time I’ve missed it in a long, long time. But I do feel that YOU need to take part in this fantastic event, and here are 8 reasons why. Be sure to check out reason...
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Are you looking to generate power for your electrical device while on the bike? Our friend @bobridesabike is here to give you one super detailed review of the Spin POWER 4 for the iPhone 4, made by Bike2Power. Oh, and be sure to make your way down to the bottom of his review for details on...
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Like many of you, I have a ton of cycling T-shirts….but one of my favorites has got to be my Viva la Bicicleta. Not only does it feel good and look great, but the philosophy behind the company is one that I totally believe in and support: “Our philosophy is simple: get everyone out...
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I know so many people who have always wanted to design their own t-shirt, and I’m here today to offer you that chance if you are one of these people. The good folks over at Fibers are offering one of our Loving the Bike readers the opportunity to create your own, or choose from one...
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Seems like there is an overload of bicycle inspired books out there right now, and we’re here to give you a one paragraph review of five of them. We’re just giving you a quick review of each one so that you can spend your reading time on the books themselves, and not the review....
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We’ve got a winner in our Cycling Landscape Photo contest. A great big congratulations goes out to Naomi Morris….her photo from the Combe Laval in The Vercors, France received the most votes. Naomi receives the Grand Prize which includes all of the following goodies: 20 x 30 print of winning photo (Provided by Capture Colorado...
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The voting begins right now to select the ultimate cycling landscape photo. Oh man, I never would have imagined how many incredible photos would have been submitted to our Cycling Landscape Photo Contest. The amount and quality of the photos we received was absolutely staggering, and narrowing things down to a top five list...
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Photo: Alex Molick The incredible cycling landscape photos continue to come in, and you’ve got until Midnight Thursday to submit yours. This really is the biggest contest we’ve put on so far and can’t wait to award the Grand prize and runner up awards. For full details of this fantastic contest, check out our...
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Do you have a favorite cycling photo where a cyclist is captured in a beautiful scenic background? Whether it’s one of your own, or a professional shot that you absolutely love….submit it to us and get in to win. With the availability of some incredible photos shared through all the various social media channels,...
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I’ve already shown you one of my favorite cycling landscape photos, and this one of Nadia Rowe taken at Trestle Bike Park is definitely another one. If you haven’t already seen the post and photo highlighting Dan Joder’s incredible Monument Valley RAAM shot, go check it out right here. But we’re back with another...
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This photo from last year’s Race Across America is one of my favorite cycling photos ever. Not only did I have to share it with all of you, I wanted to let you know more about the photographer, location, and rider pictured in it as well. In addition to all of that, I’m also...
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Does your bike spend a lot of time being stored outside or subject to potentially harmful conditions? Hopefully not, but if so then a Bike Poncho™ can help you (and your bike) out. It’s designed to protect your bike while parked on work/campus, traveling on the back of your bike rack, or while being stored...
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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!
