On-bike food might not be fine dining; but it’s food! Keeping fueled during long rides is important, so as to avoid bonking. You don’t necessarily have to use food designed especially for sports; but if you want them, there are many options.

For my Sunday long rides, I’ve tried peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, cut in quarters; but they proved to be too bulky for my top-tube pouch. Protein bars are much more compact; and there are many flavors out there.

I always carry a few energy gels with me, even on short rides. My usual snack before a weekday ride (up to 15 miles) is a banana with peanut butter; and sometimes I start to get too hungry when I’m still several miles from home. A “goo” comes in handy then!

Hydration is very important; more so than food. If you bonk, you’ll probably be able to keep going, although much more slowly; but dehydration is serious; and can even be life-threatening. It’s better to have a load of three liters of water on your back, and drink only half of it; than to take along one water bottle and run out. Electrolyte drinks are important, too, especially it hot weather. Too much water with no electrolyte replacement can lead to potentially fatal hyponatremia.