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Fuel for 25 mile ride?

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Fuel for 25 mile ride?

Old 09-18-16, 10:36 AM
  #51  
Jean3n16
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On any ride i always bring 64oz of fluids. I dont always drink all but i bring it regardless. My last ride at 14mi, i barely drank half of 1 but on 20+mi, i almost wish i had room for 3 bottles!

YMMV.
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Old 09-18-16, 10:49 AM
  #52  
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Originally Posted by GuitarBob
Wow, this thread has legs, I'm surprised as I thought this was resolved:

Rule # 91 // No Food On Training Rides Under Four Hours
It should come as no surprise. That rule is part of a religion and a kind of dedication to training that would have one following other rules as well, rules that would prevent it from being a problem. But this is not the Velominati forum, it's the Road Cycling forum, and the majority of road cyclists are heathen as far as that's concerned. But that doesn't mean they wouldn't have any other guidelines to go by. A person can be fit and healthy without being obsessed.
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Old 09-18-16, 11:30 AM
  #53  
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Originally Posted by datlas
Honestly, for 25 miles you just need 1 bottle of water. You don't need any calories, maybe an electrolyte tablet if it's really hot out. Your body has more than enough stored glycogen for a relatively short ride like you describe.
25 miles is about a 90 minute ride. If that ride is after a meal then your right, but if its before a meal he'll need something.
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Old 09-18-16, 11:38 AM
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Originally Posted by kbarch
It should come as no surprise. That rule is part of a religion and a kind of dedication to training that would have one following other rules as well, rules that would prevent it from being a problem. But this is not the Velominati forum, it's the Road Cycling forum, and the majority of road cyclists are heathen as far as that's concerned. But that doesn't mean they wouldn't have any other guidelines to go by. A person can be fit and healthy without being obsessed.
I remain surprised. Why? Because the OP asked if it is necessary to 'fuel' on a ride of moderate pace (17-18 mph average) and distance (25-mile) that is mostly on flat terrain. The direct answer to that is plainly "no" for the vast majority of cycling enthusiasts. Might that be different for a few? Of course, just like everything else. And if someone is out on a bike for a 'nice bike ride' then good for them, but I'd bet they aren't thinking much about optimal fueling.

And what's best about 'The Rules' is how they tow the line between reasonable and absolutely nuts, which is entirely the point to those of us who are enthusiastic Regular Joes, even going so far as spending our time on a forum like this! All a little nuts, but all in good fun.
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Old 09-18-16, 11:44 AM
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I posted earlier today and wanted to repeat that I really think anyone in good enough shape to consider riding for an hour, can and should go out fasted and with only water (or wait an hour after eating a light meal before riding).

Most cyclist could do a two hour ride (water only) at speed, but I would never recommend that for a beginner, but one hour, yes.
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Old 09-18-16, 12:01 PM
  #56  
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Originally Posted by Inpd
25 miles is about a 90 minute ride. If that ride is after a meal then your right, but if its before a meal he'll need something.
Bro, I just smashed a 28 mile ride fasted. I came home, ate a huge steak and some potatoes, and 3 beers deep while watching football. I actually ride better and quicker fasted than eating before.

The human body is amazing. It will find its energy and stabalize its blood sugar as needed..without food. Takes so long for it to digest to make a difference, he/she going to be home before he/she gets the benefit!

You think hunter/gatherers were like "oh man, I need a pre workout meal before I go run into the wilderness to catch dinner" LOL. And. BTW, humans use energy VERY efficiently on a bicycle.
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Old 09-18-16, 12:10 PM
  #57  
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Eating something on a 25 mile ride isn't needed for the ride, however eating half an energy bar on that ride may help that cyclist not destroy some food when they get back from that ride.

This isn't really all that complicated, but the nutritional requirements do go up as the mileage and time increase. For me, a 25 mile ride is an after work ride during the week and I can get by without eating anything special for that ride. I never see anybody eating anything on a 25 mile ride, but on 60 mile rides I do.

When it comes to water, drink as much as you want. I figure it is better to carry more than needed.
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Old 09-18-16, 12:17 PM
  #58  
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everyone is different, for me and cycling i need water, i have a sinus problem and i breathe through my mouth with aerobic activity. at work i've conditioned myself to drink about 8 to 12 oz of water an hour. i'm a welder it's hot, i sweat a lot. 8 hour shift wearing heavy clothing, i sweet and i drink a lot. i'm new to cycling a 16 mph pace for 30 miles is a killer for me so i drink a lot. when i ride my dirt bike which i've been doing for 40 years i don't need as much water, why i know my body and my pace and i've trained to work within those perimeters. with bicycling i'm still learning and i get tired. perhaps in a few months i'l be fit enough on the bicycle to not need so much water. also i would rather have water and not need it than to need it and not have it.
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Old 09-18-16, 01:11 PM
  #59  
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thanks all, sounds like I'll be fine with just water. Here's a few clarifications:

1. I would generally agree that 17-18mph seems like nothing, even to me, and I could ride that speed pretty far on the flats without wearing out. This particular weekly ride starts in that range, takes us down a descent to a valley where we try to take our paceline as fast as we can for about 10-12 miles, keeping it between 23-26mph depending on the terrain/rollers/turns. Then we relax for about 10 minutes before heading up a 5 mile ascent, the last 2.5 of which are about 6-7%. We often try to see who can get to the top first, so it's a bit of a short uphill race. then we generally take it easy for the ride back to where we started. So its the middle section, followed by the main hill, that is the "hard-effort" part.

2. If you mix water, sugar, and salt, it tastes surprisingly like gatorade, and give most of the benefits without extra chemicals. It doesn't taste like ocean water, cuz the sugar tames the salt. (assuming you use the right amounts)

3. Our Temps here have been close to 90F often with high humidity when we ride.

4. I typically ride this at 5pm after a normal noon lunch, drinking water at work, then some fruit around 4pm.
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Old 09-18-16, 02:28 PM
  #60  
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Originally Posted by GuitarBob
I remain surprised. Why? Because the OP asked if it is necessary to 'fuel' on a ride of moderate pace (17-18 mph average) and distance (25-mile) that is mostly on flat terrain. The direct answer to that is plainly "no" for the vast majority of cycling enthusiasts. Might that be different for a few? Of course, just like everything else. And if someone is out on a bike for a 'nice bike ride' then good for them, but I'd bet they aren't thinking much about optimal fueling.

And what's best about 'The Rules' is how they tow the line between reasonable and absolutely nuts, which is entirely the point to those of us who are enthusiastic Regular Joes, even going so far as spending our time on a forum like this! All a little nuts, but all in good fun.
Stop being so reasonable, this is the 41.
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Old 09-18-16, 02:31 PM
  #61  
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Originally Posted by RJM
Eating something on a 25 mile ride isn't needed for the ride, however eating half an energy bar on that ride may help that cyclist not destroy some food when they get back from that ride.

This isn't really all that complicated, but the nutritional requirements do go up as the mileage and time increase. For me, a 25 mile ride is an after work ride during the week and I can get by without eating anything special for that ride. I never see anybody eating anything on a 25 mile ride, but on 60 mile rides I do.

When it comes to water, drink as much as you want. I figure it is better to carry more than needed.
Personally I want to titrate my fluid intake just shy of renal failure so I don't have to stop and pee. It's an art form.
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Old 09-18-16, 02:46 PM
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Originally Posted by surgeonstone
Personally I want to titrate my fluid intake just shy of renal failure so I don't have to stop and pee. It's an art form.
I stack tamsulosin with Cialis, the last thing I need is help NOT peeing.
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Old 09-18-16, 03:36 PM
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Originally Posted by surgeonstone
Personally I want to titrate my fluid intake just shy of renal failure so I don't have to stop and pee. It's an art form.
I thought that was to measure the negative logarithm of the molar ionic concentration, ph balance, or I guess some other concentration? That's pretty hard core, getting close to the line on failure, but I guess what's the point of being a Doctor if you don't use that knowledge?

While I've got you online, what would be your medical opinion of drinking 64 fluid ounces in 15 miles, like someone mentioned? Or something like that. Flirting with renal failure? Or OK if you're flushing the system?
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Old 09-18-16, 03:38 PM
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Originally Posted by wphamilton
I thought that was to measure the negative logarithm of the molar ionic concentration, ph balance, or I guess some other concentration? That's pretty hard core, getting close to the line on failure, but I guess what's the point of being a Doctor if you don't use that knowledge?

While I've got you online, what would be your medical opinion of drinking 64 fluid ounces in 15 miles minutes, like someone mentioned? Or something like that. Flirting with renal failure? Or OK if you're flushing the system?
Crazy I'd say. We are a nation obsessed with hydration, it's like a cult or religion, walking around all day like w are going to die of thirst.
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Old 09-18-16, 03:41 PM
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(assuming you use the right amounts)
Just curious, what amounts do you use for a 20 oz. water bottle for instance.
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Old 09-18-16, 03:47 PM
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It depends on the person and their fitness level as to how much to eat, if anything at all. I have dropped 31 pounds since June 1st. Part of my routine has been riding fasted. The most I have done is 70 miles, with 3,800 ft of climbing. I averaged 17.7, and would've averaged more, but I was riding with a newer rider and had to slow down or him at times. I can honestly say that I felt great the entire ride as far as my energy level was concerned.

This method didn't work on Labor Day weekend when I did a century@ 21.1 mph. It was mostly flat, but the heat and pace broke me and by the time I was feeling like crap, it was too late. I started eating on some snacks I had brought along, but it didn't do much good at that point. I finished the ride, but it wasn't pretty. I learned my lesson on that one.
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Old 09-18-16, 04:05 PM
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Originally Posted by wphamilton
I thought that was to measure the negative logarithm of the molar ionic concentration, ph balance, or I guess some other concentration? That's pretty hard core, getting close to the line on failure, but I guess what's the point of being a Doctor if you don't use that knowledge?

While I've got you online, what would be your medical opinion of drinking 64 fluid ounces in 15 miles minutes, like someone mentioned? Or something like that. Flirting with renal failure? Or OK if you're flushing the system?
Crazy I'd say. We are a nation obsessed with hydration, it's like a cult or religion, walking around all day like w are going to die of thirst.
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Old 09-18-16, 04:41 PM
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Originally Posted by surgeonstone
Crazy I'd say. We are a nation obsessed with hydration, it's like a cult or religion, walking around all day like w are going to die of thirst.
I agree. My wife use to be an adherent. 60 oz. per day come hell or high water, pun intended. I explained that 60 oz. was a generalization for 'all' fluid intake from all sources throughout the day.

Last edited by bobwysiwyg; 09-18-16 at 06:33 PM.
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Old 09-18-16, 04:46 PM
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Originally Posted by surgeonstone
Personally I want to titrate my fluid intake just shy of renal failure so I don't have to stop and pee. It's an art form.
Someone should claim that for their signature, I'd say it's worthy.
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Old 09-18-16, 04:57 PM
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Originally Posted by surgeonstone
Crazy I'd say. We are a nation obsessed with hydration, it's like a cult or religion, walking around all day like w are going to die of thirst.
If by "obsessed with hydration" you mean pounding cokes and monster energy drinks, I would agree with you.
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Old 09-18-16, 04:58 PM
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Originally Posted by surgeonstone
Crazy I'd say. We are a nation obsessed with hydration, it's like a cult or religion, walking around all day like w are going to die of thirst.
most likely the result of promotion by the bottled water industry.

gotta get the lemmings to buy water at exorbitant prices that most likely came from some municipal water source...not a glacier or spring.

biggest scam going...
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Old 09-18-16, 04:59 PM
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Originally Posted by GuitarBob
I remain surprised.
Originally Posted by M. Aurelius
How ridiculous, and how strange it is to be surprised by anything which happens in life
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Old 09-18-16, 05:14 PM
  #73  
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Originally Posted by surgeonstone
Crazy I'd say. We are a nation obsessed with hydration, it's like a cult or religion, walking around all day like w are going to die of thirst.
Adam Conover says it best:
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Old 09-18-16, 05:29 PM
  #74  
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Originally Posted by datlas
Honestly, for 25 miles you just need 1 bottle of water. You don't need any calories, maybe an electrolyte tablet if it's really hot out. Your body has more than enough stored glycogen for a relatively short ride like you describe.
This is about 90 min at the OP speed.
A fat adapted person needs nothing. The OP is most likely not fat adapted.
Internet search says stored glycogen lasts from 1-4 hours depending on the person, diet etc. For a cyclist - it is at the low end. That the OP asked I'd guess a little simple carbs might be good for them. It won't hurt.
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Old 09-18-16, 05:37 PM
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Originally Posted by Shimagnolo
lol
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