Welcome

06
Feb
2010
By

How many times do you get the chance to follow a new blogger right from the start?  Now is your chance.  The Loving the Bike train has just left the station and we are so happy to have you along for the ride.  Sit back, check us out, and come back often.  We’ve got big, big plans and aim to impress.  We’re going to make this a place that people enjoy coming and are able to take something away with them.
We also value your comments, so please feel free to speak your mind and share with us.

Chugga Chugga…..Here we go.

Remember that first great experience you had on your bike? Likely it included the feeling of freedom and pride that came from those two wheels underneath you and the open road in your vision. Even back then…you were loving the bike.

It’s also probably the reason why you still feel it…whether you’re a road biker pushing yourself each time your out on your bike, a mountain biker commuting to work, or a competitive cyclist going after victory on the weekend.

Welcome to www.lovingthebike. It’s great to have you here and to have you grow right along with us. As you can tell by the name, we’re all about biking and the love we have for it….but this site is so much more than that.

It doesn’t matter what level of rider you are or what your purpose is for jumping on the bike…every cyclist is a champion. You know that feeling you have when you get back from a ride…the one where you are so proud of yourself for what you have just accomplished? Right then…right there you are as champion as a champion can get.

This site is not just another biking blog site. As we go forward from here, we’ll be providing a host of cycling information to you, sharing stories, exploring worldwide biking destinations, and expressing our thoughts on what supplements and nutrition products will make you the best that you can be….and on top of it all, reminding ourselves why we are loving the bike.

Let us hear about your first biking memory, your cycling stories, your love for the bike. If cycling is you passion, we’d love to hear about it. Once again, we’re so glad to have you and we look forward to the journey ahead.

Enjoy Your Ride
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  • VitaminLee

    I’m happy you’re happy. Love the positive vibes and looking forward to this chapter in your life. Pura Vida

  • http://bikingtolive.com Bryan

    Congrats on starting the blog and good luck. I’ve subscribed to your feed and am following on Twitter.

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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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