If you haven’t noticed, I don’t have a lot of posts about cycling with partners or groups. I’m primarily a solo cyclist, so when Mike Neifert came to me with a guest post on “The Joys of Finding a Riding Partner” I was stoked to get it up and include some content on this...
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A couple of weeks ago I put up a guest post on riding in Africa that was not totally accurate. So today we’re posting the inside look by someone who’s done it countless times….Paul McManus, a guide for Tour d’Afrique. Whether you’ve always wanted to do something like this or just want to read...
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I’m a cyclist who claims that I was born with a pair of sunglasses on my face. I don’t think I’ve ever been out riding without a pair on…yes, even when it’s raining I’m wearing sunglasses. Today we have Nate Schrader from SunglassWarehouse.com providing a guest post on what to look for when purchasing...
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Did you know that positive self talk can get you up that hill faster on your bike? It sure can, but don’t take my word for it. Today we have my good friend and Cycling 360 co-host, Rob Grissom here to share his personal story of how thoughts can have a dramatic effect on...
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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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Do you strive for perfection in all that you do? Of course we all set out to do our best in all we’re involved with….including cycling, but is the pursuit of perfection hampering you from the results you are looking for? Have a read through what my man, Joel from Reasons2Ride has to say...
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Have you ever wondered what a cycling adventure in Africa would be like? Sumreen Azam shares his story of a 1576 km journey known as the Elephant Highway. After putting this post up and getting a response from Paul who works for Tour d’ Afrique I was about to pull it and take it off...
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We’re back with another segment in our “Loving the Commute” series by my man, Aaron Madrid. Commuting by bike is such a great segment of the cycling industry and we’re so happy with the response we’ve been getting from all of you so far in editions 1 through 4. I’m pleased to announce that...
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Today’s post is courtesy of Sonny from Jeep Gorilla, who just happens to be a mountain bike loving dude. Get set for a great read as to why he is Loving the Mountain Bike. How I became a Mountain Bike Lover by Sonny Williams It was an orange Schwinn Roadrunner with a glittery white...
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I know there are so many great cycling organizations around the World, but there is something about Team Rwanda that totally inspires me. I first heard about this team through a post by Jeep Gorilla that mentioned an upcoming DVD called “Rising From the Ashes”. It caught my attention and I’d like to help...
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My pal Tammy is a cyclist taking part in her first triathlon, and she’s here to tell you about her new Pearl Izumi syncroFloat IV shoes. My Pearl Izumi syncroFloat IV Review by Tammy I am a cyclist and really love being out on the road with my bike. Although I enjoy it so...
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Are you Loving the Mountain Bike? You may have noticed a lack of attention towards this type of cycling here at Loving the Bike, and that’s simply because I’ve been on a mtb once in the past year and a half. When this cycling website first started, I wanted to make sure we talked...
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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!
