What To Eat & Drink During A Long Distance Bike Ride

Understanding the nuances of nutrition is vital when embarking on long-distance cycling journeys. For cyclists with endurance aspirations, comprehending the fundamentals of endurance cycling nutrition is a prerequisite. This knowledge extends to knowing what to consume and hydrate with before, during, and after extended rides.

Experiencing the dreaded “bonk” or stomach discomfort is a situation no cyclist wishes to encounter, and these issues often stem from inadequate nutritional planning and fueling.

In this article, we offer invaluable nutrition tips tailored for long-distance rides. Our insights span a wide range, from pre-ride nutrition guidelines to ideal foods for consumption during endurance cycling, post-cycling meals, and more. If you have any questions or seek further guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Designing Your Personalized Long-Distance Cycling Nutrition Plan

Creating a personalized nutrition strategy for your long-distance cycling adventures is a crucial step in ensuring you perform at your best. But first, let’s clarify what we mean by a “long-distance ride.”

If your cycling escapade is under 60-90 minutes, you don’t need to obsess over endurance nutrition. However, once you venture beyond a couple of hours in the saddle, your choice of on-the-bike sustenance becomes pivotal.

A long-distance ride can vary from person to person. For some, it might be around three hours, while others might consider rides exceeding five hours. Regardless of your personal definition, if you’re embarking on these kinds of journeys, meticulous planning and selecting the right foods for endurance cycling are paramount.

So, why do you need a cycling nutrition strategy?

Simply put, if you fail to fuel your body adequately during a long ride, you won’t achieve optimal performance. You’re likely to hit a wall, often referred to as “bonking” in cycling circles, and may not even complete your ride.

Picture your body like a car with a finite amount of energy stored as glycogen. Without consistent refueling, you’ll find yourself pedaling through what feels like thick, exhausting treacle, utterly drained of energy.

In addition to reaching your nutritional goals for a lengthy day on the bike, proper hydration is of utmost importance. Many underestimate this aspect, but according to British Cycling, even mild dehydration at 4% can reduce your muscular work capacity. At 5%, you might suffer from heat exhaustion; at 7%, hallucinations may set in, and at 10%, you’re in serious health jeopardy with potential circulatory collapse, heat stroke, and, in extreme cases, even death.

While you’re unlikely to reach these dire circumstances, moderate dehydration can result in symptoms like a parched mouth or reduced ability to concentrate.

 

What should you include in your nutrition strategy?

Endurance cycling nutrition should primarily revolve around carbohydrates as your main energy source. This means incorporating foods like sweet potatoes, pasta, porridge, and rice.

Protein and fats are also essential macronutrients to consider. Lean meats like chicken and tofu are excellent sources of protein. Fats can be obtained from nuts, seeds, and oily fish, offering valuable calorie intake. However, protein and fats shouldn’t be your primary focus during your ride due to the time and energy required for digestion.

And, of course, don’t forget the importance of staying hydrated.

Most cyclists use a combination of regular, non-cycling-specific foods along with cycling-specific bars, gels, and drinks to meet their nutritional needs. We’ll delve into specific product recommendations for eating and drinking during long-distance cycling in the latter part of this article.

Planning and practicing your nutrition strategy is essential because what works for one cyclist might not work for another. Therefore, developing and testing your approach in advance is key to ensuring you stay fueled and perform your best on those extended rides.

 

Fueling Your Body Before the Ride

Pre-ride nutrition is a critical element of preparing for a long-distance cycling journey. Here, we’ll delve into the best foods and drinks to ensure you’re adequately fueled before your ride.

What to Eat Before Cycling

The evening before your ride is a crucial time to load up on glycogen, the primary energy source for your muscles and liver. Ensuring your glycogen stores are full is vital for starting your ride with ample energy. Here’s what to consider:

Slow-Burn Carbohydrates: Opt for a generous serving of slow-burn, high-glycemic index carbohydrates such as pasta, quinoa, whole-grain rice, or sweet potatoes. Complement these with vegetables like broccoli and carrots, and include lean protein sources.

Other Carbohydrate Sources: You can also include carbs like rice pudding, cereals, and toast. However, avoid overeating; stick to portion sizes that your body is accustomed to.

Morning of the Ride

On the day of your long-distance ride, focus on consuming natural, solid foods that provide lasting energy. Consider options like:

Porridge: A bowl of porridge is an excellent choice for a sustained energy release.
Bagels with Poached Eggs: This combination offers a balance of carbohydrates and protein, providing a great start to your day.
Banana: Easily digestible and offering a quick energy boost.
Peanut Butter on Whole Wheat Bread: A quick source of long-lasting energy.
Caffeine: If you enjoy a coffee or tea, caffeine can enhance alertness and reduce fatigue. However, avoid consuming it too close to the start of your ride, as it acts as a diuretic.

Pre-Ride Snacks

If hunger strikes between your last meal and the ride’s commencement, consider convenient and stomach-friendly options like half a Veloforte energy bar or half a packet of soft chews.

Hydration Before Cycling

Proper hydration is crucial in the days leading up to your ride. If you feel thirsty, it may indicate that you’re already dehydrated. Aim to drink around 500-750ml of water in the morning before your ride. Avoid excessive fluid intake, as you don’t want to spend valuable time in the restroom when you should be at the starting line.

The Ideal Timing

To ensure smooth digestion and avoid gastrointestinal discomfort during your ride, plan to consume your last substantial meal about two to three hours before the ride begins. This time frame allows for effective digestion, ensuring you’re in prime riding condition.

 

What to Eat and Drink During Your Ride

Now, let’s dive into the essential details of what you should consume during your long-distance cycling journey. Cyclists can burn a significant amount of calories, ranging from 2,000 to 7,000 per day, depending on various factors such as your physical attributes, metabolic rate, and the intensity of your ride. Replenishing these calories is crucial, and it’s worth noting that it’s not just about calorie count, but also the type of nutrients you consume.

Caloric Requirements

A general guideline is to aim for around 600 calories per hour of cycling for an average-built male cyclist and approximately 500 calories per hour for an average-built female cyclist. Keep in mind that these figures provide a rough estimate, and many cyclists prefer to focus on their carbohydrate intake rather than counting calories.

Emphasizing Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are your primary source of energy while cycling. Instead of fixating on calorie intake, most cyclists concentrate on their carbohydrate consumption. To ensure you maintain your energy levels throughout the ride, consider these tips:

Carbohydrate Intake: Aim for approximately 60g of carbohydrates per hour when your ride extends beyond 90 minutes. Some individuals may require even more, especially during intense efforts, while others might find this amount excessive. To discover your sweet spot, experiment with different carb intake levels during your training rides.

Food Variety: Over extended rides, food fatigue or food boredom can be an issue. This happens when you lose the desire or energy to eat due to constant consumption. To combat this, consider incorporating a mix of options beyond energy bars. Small sandwiches, flapjacks, or dried fruit can provide variety and help you maintain your caloric intake.

Veloforte’s Range

The Veloforte range offers a wide selection of cycling energy foods with various flavors and textures, ensuring you have choices that keep you motivated to eat. Some popular choices include the refreshing Zenzero energy bar and the slightly saltier Avanti.

 

When to Eat and Drink During Your Ride

When it comes to longer rides, the choice of foods varies throughout the journey:

First Half of Your Ride: In the initial stages of your ride, particularly during the first few hours of exercise, focus on slower-releasing carbohydrates to maintain steady glycogen levels. Veloforte’s energy bars, such as the Mocha, Avanti, Di Bosco, and Classico, provide a valuable source of carbohydrates, along with protein. They are favored by many riders for their delicious taste.

Mid-Ride: As your energy reserves begin to deplete, consider slightly faster-digesting carbohydrates and easily consumable snacks. Veloforte’s natural gels are a great option, offering a variety of interesting flavors, each containing 22g of carbohydrates. They are lightweight and easy to carry, making them a convenient choice. For a caffeine boost, the maple and coffee-flavored Doppio gel is a fantastic option.

Alternative to Gels: If gels aren’t your preference, Veloforte offers energy chews. These chews contain up to double the carbohydrates of the gel range (44g) and include electrolytes to maintain your balance, making them ideal for long rides. Flavors like lemon and cool mint Fresco, as well as Amaro with 75mg of natural caffeine, provide diverse options to suit your taste.

Hydration Matters

Proper hydration is crucial during your ride, especially in hot weather. It’s advisable to calculate your sweat rate and replace lost fluids and electrolytes. Veloforte’s Solo, with a golden apricot and sage flavor, offers a natural, electrolyte-rich solution to keep you hydrated and cramp-free. Individual sachets are convenient for on-the-go riders. The entire Veloforte product range is free from artificial ingredients, promoting easy digestion.

Among the Veloforte flavors, Vivo stands out as a personal favorite, but all the options, including Solo, Attivo, and Passo, have their unique appeal and popularity.

Remember, maintaining the right balance of nutrients during your long-distance cycling journey is vital to keep your body energized and performing at its best.

 

Selecting the Ideal Hydration for Your Ride

To maximize your cycling performance, maintaining proper hydration is essential, particularly during the scorching summer months. Calculating your sweat rate can help ensure you replace lost fluids and essential electrolytes. Many cyclists avoid electrolyte powders due to the presence of artificial ingredients in most commercial energy drinks intended for long-distance cycling.

Natural Hydration by Veloforte

The pride of Veloforte lies in crafting products from natural ingredients, a choice that promotes better digestion and minimizes gastrointestinal distress. For those seeking an outstanding drink option, Solo, one of Veloforte’s bestsellers, proves to be an excellent choice for long-distance cyclists.

Solo offers a delightful golden apricot and sage flavor, perfect for quenching your thirst on a hot day. What sets Solo apart is its balanced electrolyte content, with 350mg of sodium and 240mg of potassium. These key electrolytes effectively combat cramps, ensuring you can pedal on without discomfort. The convenience of individual sachets makes it easy to carry and add to your water refill at the halfway point.

Flavorful Choices

Among Veloforte’s hydration offerings, Vivo stands out as a personal favorite, although options like Solo, Attivo, and Passo have garnered their share of popularity. The choice of flavor often comes down to personal preference, ensuring that you have a variety of options to suit your taste buds.

Strategizing Hydration

Hydration during your ride should be approached with the “little and often” principle. Aim to take regular small sips every 10 to 15 minutes, working towards consuming approximately 500ml of fluids per hour. It’s important to note that the exact quantity varies from person to person and can be influenced by weather conditions.

Monitor Your Hydration

Crucial signs to keep an eye on regarding your hydration status include the color of your urine, which should ideally be a pale straw color, and ensuring you don’t feel excessively thirsty. These are reliable indicators that you’re maintaining adequate hydration levels during your ride.

Staying well-hydrated is the key to a successful long-distance cycling journey, and Veloforte’s range of natural, flavorful drink options ensures you can enjoy your ride without any worries about artificial ingredients or digestive discomfort.

 

Analyzing a Nutrition Strategy: Fueling Your 100-Mile Cycling Journey

Assuming an average speed of 17 to 18mph, a 100-mile cycling journey will span just under 6 hours. To maintain optimal performance, a well-thought-out nutritional strategy, featuring Veloforte products, can be broken down into specific hourly goals:
Hour 1: Kickstart with 1 Classico energy bar and hydrate with 1 bottle of Passo electrolyte powder.
Hour 2: Sustain your energy levels with 1 Avanti energy bar and add a boost with half a Zenzero energy bar.
Hour 3: Keep the momentum going with another half of a Zenzero energy bar and fuel up with 1 pack of Citro energy chews.
Hour 4: Recharge your energy with 1 pack of Mela energy chews and refresh with 1 bottle of Vivo electrolyte powder.
Hour 5: Enjoy the delightful taste of 1 Di Bosco energy bar and keep your energy reserves up with 1 Doppio energy gel.
Hour 6: Finish strong with 1 pack of Fresco energy chews and gain a final push with 1 Tempo energy gel.

In total, this nutrition plan delivers a substantial 374g of carbohydrates, which translates to approximately 62.33g of carbohydrates per hour.

Remember, individual needs may vary, but this strategy serves as a practical example of a successful approach. Personalize your nutritional plan to suit your unique requirements and preferences. Based on personal experience, this strategy has proven effective for sustained energy during training sessions.

 

Refueling After a Long Bike Ride: What to Eat and Drink

The thrill of the ride is behind you, and now you can kick back, recounting the day’s adventures. But if you don’t recover properly, getting back on the saddle and waking up the next day can be a real challenge.

Immediate Post-Ride Nutrition
For optimal muscle recovery and to fend off muscle soreness, protein is essential. Combine protein with carbohydrates to replenish the glycogen stores that your body has depleted during the ride, and you’ve got the perfect post-ride combo.

This is where protein bars shine as a recovery food. Their pre-portioned convenience makes them an excellent post-cycling snack, especially when you’re not in the mood to cook a full meal. When selecting a protein bar, pay attention to the protein content. Look for a carb-to-protein ratio of 3:1, similar to Veloforte’s Forza and Mocha bars.

After consuming plenty of sweet drinks throughout the day, you might not be eager for yet another sports drink. However, recovery drinks like protein shakes offer a great alternative, blending rehydration with recovery.

Veloforte’s protein shakes provide a pre-measured dose of protein for your recovery. Options like the Madagascan vanilla and cinnamon Molto or the coffee and cocoa Cappo both supply 20g of protein per serving. Here’s a top tip from the Veloforte staff: blend a Molto or Cappo with frozen fruits to create the ultimate post-workout smoothie. Another personal favorite is the Vita recovery protein shake, with its raspberry and ginseng combination, perfect for refreshing your body after a long day in the heat.

Post-Ride Meals

A few hours later, aim for a well-balanced, nutrient-dense evening meal to replenish the calories you burned throughout the day.

Consider a lean protein source such as a chicken breast or tofu in a stir-fry. Other excellent recovery foods include hummus, sweet potatoes, berries, nuts, and healthy smoothies.

 

Final Words – What To Eat & Drink During A Long Distance Bike Ride

In conclusion, understanding the intricacies of nutrition is indispensable for embarking on successful long-distance cycling journeys. It’s not just about pedaling; it’s about fueling your body effectively throughout the ride. By comprehending the fundamentals of endurance cycling nutrition and crafting a personalized nutrition strategy, you can optimize your performance, avoid the dreaded “bonk,” and enjoy the ride to its fullest.

Whether you’re loading up on slow-burn carbohydrates before the ride, maintaining energy levels with the right combination of foods and drinks during your journey, or recovering properly post-ride, the importance of a well-structured nutrition plan cannot be overstated. Adequate hydration, balanced macronutrients, and flavorful options from Veloforte’s range all contribute to a successful and enjoyable long-distance cycling experience.

So, as you plan your next extended ride, remember the importance of what you eat and drink, and stay fueled to reach your cycling aspirations. If you have any questions or need further guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out. Your journey begins with your nutrition plan, and a well-planned strategy can make all the difference on the road.