Duzer Down

09
Aug
2010
By

My internet buddy, Ryan Van Duzer (aka Duzer), takes off tomorrow morning on another incredible cycling adventure.  This time he’ll be pedaling down the west coast, 3,000 miles from Vancouver to Cabo San Lucas.  What’s the occasion this time, you ask?  Well, he lists three fantastic reason for taking the journey:

  1. Travel at a brisk 15MPH while discovering the America you can’t experience when wizzing by in a vehicle.
  2. Riding for the ‘People for Bikes’ campaign, gathering signatures to help build a national movement to improve cycling in our country.
  3. Raising MUCHO dinero for Community Cycles, my favorite bicycle loving-world saving-health promoting advocacy group–right in my hometown of lovely Boulder Colorado.

I’ve talked about Ryan a few times in the past, but if you don’t know who this amazing individual is, let me give you the quick low down.  He’s a 31 cycling maniac who has never had a driver’s license, he has a love for life so infectious that he can make even the grumpiest of people smile and laugh, and he is one mean bicycle advocate hombre.

“If I can ride thousands of miles on a bike, more people can think about leaving their car in the garage and instead ride bicycles around their communities, our planet needs our help.”

His “Duzer Down” ride from Vancouver will be as eco friendly as possible, no support cars allowed!  He’s pulling a trailer with all his gear (shorts, shirts, peanut butter, 18 cans of beans) along with  a computer and camera to broadcast the adventure to the world.  Be sure to check in with him daily at his site www.ryanvanduzer.com.

I was going to include one of his beautifully wacky videos to close out this post, but instead I’m going to share a video that Duzer posted last week on his website.  It is from People for Bikes (who Ryan is doing his journey for).  I found this video so awe inspiring that I couldn’t just Tweet or Facebook it.  I had to give it it’s own space here in a post.  An incredible video to go along with a post about an incredible human being.  Rock on, Duzer….You’re one of the best. Oh, and you really should check out some of his videos.  Browse through Duzer’s Youtube channel….you’ll be glad you did.

Enjoy Your Ride

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  • http://www.cyclelicio.us/ Richard Masoner

    What I want to know is how did you get that photo? I know how to do the superman trick — I want to know how to get a camera in front of his face while he’s flying like that.

    • http://www.lovingthebike.com Darryl

      That’s a good question, Richard. I never thought about how it was taken…just thought it was an awesome photo. The next time I’m talking to Duzer I’ll ask him.

    • http://www.lovingthebike.com Darryl

      Here is your answer, straight from Duzer:

      “The guy that took that photo works for the local paper, so he’s a pro…he ran in front of me as I rode slowly.”

      Ryan Van Duzer

  • Janice in GA

    FYI, the link to Ryan’ blog is borked. It’s got a couple of extra characters in the URL.

    • http://www.lovingthebike.com Darryl

      Thanks Janice…..got it fixed. I appreciate you letting me know.

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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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