Here’s a look at who’s loving the bike for May 2012. At the top of each month we like to feature the amazing stories and memories of people who are loving the bike. Please take a look at what these lovers have to say. Hey…..and we’d love to hear from you as well….feel free...
Read more »
Here’s a look at who’s loving the bike for April 2012. At the top of each month we like to feature the amazing stories and memories of people who are loving the bike. Please take a look at what these lovers have to say. Hey…..and we’d love to hear from you as well….feel free...
Read more »
It’s March, and here’s our “Look Who’s Loving the Bike” stories for this month. Please take a look at what these lovers have to say, and we’d love to hear from you as well. Submit your “Look Who’s Loving the Bike” story to us at any time. Simone Henderson – Brisbane, Australia “Hard to...
Read more »
Here’s a look at who’s loving the bike for February 2012. At the top of each month we like to feature the amazing stories and memories of people who are loving the bike. Please take a look at what these lovers have to say. Hey…..and we’d love to hear from you as well….feel free...
Read more »
Happy New Year everyone. At the top of each month we like to feature the amazing stories and memories of people who are loving the bike. Please take a look at what our December 2011 lovers have to say. Hey…..and we’d love to hear from you as well. Feel free to submit your “Look Who’s...
Read more »
At the top of each month we like to feature the amazing stories and memories of people who are loving the bike. Please take a look at what our December 2011 lovers have to say. Hey…..and we’d love to hear from you as well. Feel free to submit your “Look Who’s Loving the Bike” story...
Read more »
James Fredrickson – New York, NY “As I look back on my childhood, I can’t think of a single great moment that didn’t include my bike in some way. It was everything to me. I was my mode of transportation, my pathway to pretending I was Evil Kenevil, and my ticket to freedom. Now...
Read more »
Stacey Hanna – USA “I have been fighting alongside my husband in a custody battle since we got married two years ago in June 2009. I have three daughters even though I only birthed two. I was repeatedly told I was not her mother, and we were accused of all sorts of drama and...
Read more »
As the #bikeschool Twitter session is growing stronger and stronger we are gaining new students every week, which made me remember about our beloved Yearbook. If you are new to class you may not realise there is a wealth of information on your fellow classmates here at LovingTheBike.com. So please read through all the...
Read more »
David Buscarello – New York, NY “As a kid I rode everywhere in the neighborhood all day every day when weather permitted. Later I delivered newspapers by bike, full set of baskets on my Raleigh Sports 3 speed. Later on got the Raleigh Grand Prix, that was my mode of transport as a teen...
Read more »
Here’s a look at who’s loving the bike for August. At the top of each month we like to feature the amazing stories and memories of people who are loving the bike. Please take a look at what these lovers have to say. Hey…..and we’d love to hear from you as well….feel free to submit...
Read more »
At the top of each month we like to feature the amazing stories and memories of people who are loving the bike. Please take a look at what our July 2011 lovers have to say. Hey…..and we’d love to hear from you as well….feel free to submit your “Look Who’s Loving the Bike” story to...
Read more »
 |
 |
 |
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!
