I am doing a 100 mile road bike race. What should I carry for food?

There is a feed zone, but I won't have anyone with me. So I'm looking for something I can carry in a jersey pocket. Should be beneficial in terms of cycling energy, but easy to carry and convenient. I know all about sports bars/gels/etc. I'm thinking more about real food.

Great question. Your performance will sag when you exercise for that long without replenishing the calories you're burning. The tough part is the body cannot absorb calories as fast as you burn them. The first consideration is whether you are happy to eat the foods, because if the food turns you off, you won't eat and your performance sags.

The next consideration is density of calories. You want foods that pack a lot of calories into a small size and weight. Fig bars and dried fruits are cyclists' favorites. I like Clif bars because they have a good mix of protein, carbs, and fat. (I've also grown fond of the almond Snicker's bars but not everyone can eat these.)

These foods will require a good bit of water to dilute them to the point the body can absorb the calories. You want to drink before you're thirsty and the concentrated foods encourage you to drink. The drinks *taste* better and you drink more.

The point about 2 water bottles is very good. I've found that when I need salt (electrolytes), the water with the powder mix tastes better, and when I've got plenty of salt and/or carbs, the plain water tastes better. Carrying two bottles allows you try both when you aren't sure which one you need.

If you're eating balanced meals before and after, nutrition during the race is mainly concerned with getting calories into the bloodstream at the maximum rate. Taste is perhaps the best indicator of what your body needs. Hydration is a big part of helping the body absorb those calories.

I think the best possible thing would be some sort of protein drink (shake) that you can make yourself in a bottle of water.
Their convineant and easy to carry.
However, if your looking for solid food, peanut butter sandwich on whole wheat bread and a banana are by far the two most energy giving and beneficial things to eat while racing. That and be sure to drink lots of water!
Good luck with the ride!

2 water bottles, one water the other double dose Gatorade. You need the energry but you'll get sick of the sweet.

Bananas, fig newtons, dates, figs & other dry fruit, cookies

When I used to race I used to carry brown bread and banana and brown sugar sandwiches

you could carry a slice of bread, a chocolate bar, anything

power bars and bananas
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