When I was checking out the North American Handmade Bike Show this past weekend, I wanted to try and only capture certain aspects of it in my blog posts. Oh, and before I forget….I apologize for the overload of NAHBS posts and tweets this past week, but it’s pretty much impossible not to get...
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Just got home from day two of NAHBS and the best way for me to sum things up is that today was a gathering of people who are in it “For the Love of the Bike”. There really isn’t any other way to describe it. So many different kinds of cyclists, people, and backgrounds….all coming...
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It’s hard to single out just one of the builders with all the incredible bikes and displays at the NAHBS…but for some reason Watson Cycles caught my eye. They had a super fat tire bike on display that was very sweet, along with a bunch of other custom frames. The company does an incredible...
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I’m still in awe of all the bicycle goodness seen at this year’s NAHBS….here are a few pictures to show you what the day was like through my eyes. More posts, pictures, and video coming over the next few days. One of the few crazy concept bikes Hot Pink is a popular color at...
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I’ll be having a bunch of posts and updates from the 2011 North American Handmade Bicycle Show happening in Austin this weekend, but here is your first look at all the goodness. I was lucky enough to hang out during yesterday’s set up of the show and get a behind the scenes look at...
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The 2011 North American Handmade Bicycle Show (NAHBS) is only two days away, and you can already feel the anticipation in the Austin air. This year’s show will be a record breaker for number of exhibitors…and with Austin being such a bike friendly city, I’ll bet we break some attendance records as well. I...
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There is a whole lot to celebrate today, and I’m happy you could stop by to join in on the party. Celebrating Sweetness First of all, I’d like to thank everyone who submitted their video entry for the “Sweet” contest we ran with our good friends over at Sweet Leaf Tea. Based right here...
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Okay, so just recently, the clothing brand Diesel teamed up with Pinarello cycling to create what they have labeled, “Only the Brave – a brand-new urban bike to ride the world’s streets”. I’ll give you some more specifics of the bike in a second…and I’ll leave it up to you to decide how cool or un-cool it...
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It’s still four weeks away, but I’m totally stoked to be attending my first ever NAHBS (North American Handmade Bicycle Show) held right here in Austin, Texas this year. This is the 7th year for the NAHBS and it’s taking place in the ATX from February 25 to 27. The show began as, and...
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You aren’t going to believe this one….on Monday I had my first flat tire in two years. Yeah, it’s been at least two years and over 20,000kms on the road since I last had to change a tube. That’s like an eternity for a road bike tube. I can’t even believe it myself. The...
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Once I get on my bike, crank the pedals, and hit the open road….the last thing I want to do is stop. I like riding like a mad man for my entire route without having to take my feet off the pedals. I really, really, really dislike it when I have to stop for...
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I really do hope that you all get everything off your #CyclingWishList this year….I know you deserve it. But most of all, I hope you enjoy the day with your friends and/or family and have the best celebration ever. Merry Christmas, Darryl from Loving the Bike
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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!
