How many miles before you take on energy food?

[CVP]

okgo said:

I wish I could do those distances, my lower back just won't have it

I was getting quite a lot of soreness in the lower back over the last year. Two things have cured it

1. Getting a slightly shorter stem so am not as stretched out on the bike (chnage roughly only 20-30mm or so), and

2. Doing some stetching & core strengthening exercises on days not out on the bike clicky

[okgo]

Lensey said:

Have you seen anyone about it?

No, because in day to day life its fine.

Maybe my saddle position? But everyone says it looks fine.

[Lensey]

Maybe worth seeing someone? Definately worth changing things on the bike around and seeing what happens? I'm sure something will cure it, my Mrs has two steel rods in her back and she runs marathons, took a lot of training to get to the point where she wouldn't be in pain but she got there in the end and now doesn't have any problems.

[Ash-man]

hi tend to take in my energy in the days leading up to a long ride ,rather than trying to eat food during or immediatley before my ride.tend to take two bottles containing 750ml of sis electrolyte on summer days ,and a couple of high protein bars,such as proflapjack bars by cnp which i find realy good.if not competing but on along ride by myself or with mates i rather stop and have a proper meal and a break from bike. can and do regular mileage of 100 +miles after a good breakfast and only water in bottles .think it down to how much you are prepared to push your self..i have a hard physical job which can involve me being out in all weathers and manually shifting tens of tonnes which makes cycling very pleasant and enjoyable..if your enjoying your ride and roads quiet,scenery good and weather fine i can very often cover 50 miles with out even thinking about food or drink..recently cycled 150 miles with only one bottle.rode first 65 miles with just that..had fish chips in cafe,cup of coffee and a fruit juice ,rode rest of way on one bottle again..think best to always eat healthy and never go hungry..suprising how much energy your body holds.

[mxspyder]

okgo said:

Lensey said:

Have you seen anyone about it?

No, because in day to day life its fine.

Maybe my saddle position? But everyone says it looks fine.

Try and get a bike fit done at your local bike shop. After buying a new bike (online) I was suffering Shin, Arse, Lower back and Shoulder pains! I was fine on my old hybrid, but the new road bike was killing me. I went for a 1 hr appointment at the local shop (£30) who fitted a shorter stem (-30mm) and lowered the saddle and adjusted my cleats - 1000 miles later alls good!

Sometimes I find with eating its psychological, if I eat a banana or orange when I feel crap I feel fine instantly - even if I don’t stop?!

Muesli bars are good too, nice and light! If I'm on a long ride and have drunk a gallon of powdered sports drink and a couple of muesli bars - I crave a savoury/salty food. And that when I dig out a crab paste on wholemeal roll. The thought of it now makes me feel queasy, but on a ride I crave them!

Edited by mxspyder on Friday 16th July 16:32