Daily ride nutrition is something to which I haven’t given much thought. Before I retired, I ate a pre-ride snack (usually a banana and peanut butter); went for my morning ride; and after that it was just off-bike food for the rest of the day.

Now, however, things are different. With hopes of RAGBRAI 2024 in my mind, I’m working to lengthen my daily rides. As those rides get longer, I’ll need to start eating on the bike. The question is, what should I eat?

It was one thing to pop bites of assorted protein/energy bars during my 40-mile Sunday rides. That won’t do as I advance to the point of several 40-milers per week. I suspect that MET-Rx bars and their ilk aren’t the best idea for almost-daily use. For one thing, freehanded use of energy bars can be very expensive! I’ve gotten spoiled by finding them cheap at the salvage store; but lately I haven’t found very many of them.

What alternatives are there? Meat snacks aren’t cheap; and for on-bike fare, they’re harder to chew than I like. They also make me too thirsty; and aren’t filling enough. Sandwiches are bulky, and hard to manage while rolling; even if I cut them into quarters before setting out.

I guess it’s time to haul out Feed Zone Portables again. Rice cakes (made from sticky rice) might well make better daily ride nutrition than store-bought energy bars! And, my gut needs training.

This morning I ate a banana; two tablespoons of peanut butter; and a cup of almond milk before setting out. I rode about 8.2 miles before turning back for home. As usual, I had a headwind.

With six miles left to go, I began to feel hollow; and wasn’t sure I could reach home before I got too hungry. I stopped to eat a GU-Gel; and after a few more miles my stomach suddenly felt uncomfortable. I wasn’t even working to push my pace today!

RAGBRAI seems to involve a LOT of eating; and if eating one “goo” makes my stomach feel weird after a few miles, I’ve got a long way to go! So daily ride nutrition is important!