I like the snowy days for the same reasons, but I also like the 0* days because they create frozen lakes which force the eagles to congregate where I can find them.

Having bonked once, on the 16 mile food-less stretch between Woodside and home, I always carry a bar and some chews, but I only eat on rides >3 hrs. And then usually only 200 Cal. of chews.

Agree. For less than 3 hours/50 miles I have zero calories. For 3-4 hours (50-65 miles) I will have ONE 200 calorie snack.

It's only for >4 hours/>75 mile rides I start putting calories in my bottles and eat more.

But I am not normal, apparently.

I have bonked too and also carry a bar if I'm going longer than 3 hrs. Sometimes I even eat it.

There seems to be a belief abroad in the land that glycogen depletion results in a state where energy requirements need to be supplied 1:1 with glop or the rider will plotz.

Your relevant enzyme systems are upregulated by proper base training. Surprisingly unusual.

Same. Water also, usually.

50 mile flat cruise, no food needed, but if there is a social coffee stop I'll have something. 50 mile faster ride with 4000 feet of climbing, calories are needed.

I've done an 8 hour mountain bike ride and hike-a-bike day where lots of calories were needed.

When touring 90+ mile days @220 pounds plus 55-60 pound bike I was eating 6K calories per day and still lost weight over 6 weeks.

I've seen the featherweight climbers survive long days with minimal intake but also a 100 pound woman I know likes to have lunch on climbing days.

I think there's confusing information out there - "Fuel The Workout", for example - which leads people to think that they have to fuel a casual 30 mile Z1/Z2 ride like a 2 hr Sweet Spot session. Last year, a noob asked about what kind of sports drink he should have, now that he was up to 30 minute sessions. I've been riding long enough to know that I can go 1 1/2 hours with no breakfast, just coffee, or 3 hours with breakfast, but if I go longer than that, or do a big, half hour or longer climb, I need to add some calories.

I still haven't figured out Zwifting, though. Because there's no stopping and no real coasting, the workout sessions tend to be a lot more intense. That, and I'm doing races and structured workouts. AND I'm generally Zwifting in the evening about the time I'm running out of lunch. So I keep a couple gels next to the trainer and sometime have one.

I'm curious how much you sweat. I have always been a profuse perspirer. I can easily lose 5 lbs in the course of a long ride on a not-particularly-hot day. I imagine if you don't sweat much you don't need to drink much.

Look who showed up on a episode of The Waltons a couple of nights ago. She played the daughter of an overbearing, ultra-religious woman, three years before she took on a similar role in 1976’s “Carrie.”


https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...d496df239.jpeg

I bring a clif bar if over 50 usually. Last metric I did I consumed 0 calories and did not bonk. Breakfast was an English muffin, an egg and a slice of muenster cheese in sandwich form prior to riding.

I usually have a Clif bar in my pocket. I don't always eat it, but it doesn't take up much space.

Noticed something interesting on my revolt yesterday which is probably contributing to my issues on it. Saddle is about 40mm forward of position on the R3. I fixed it and will take it for a spin on the morrow. Wonder big my wattage will increase.

I sweat buckets. A friend said they have to mop the street after I ride by so the other cyclists don't slip in it. I lose 5-6 pounds on a 60 mile hilly ride in warm weather.

My worst bonk was a hot climbing ride when I tried to ration water early because I didn't want to stop and lose the group. I lost 11 pounds that day and felt pretty awful.
During the 100 degree days when everything was closed in 2020 I started carrying a 70 oz Camelbak plus 2 bottles and I never ran out of water.

You also lose water through breathing.

I don't measure it, but it can be quite a bit once I get going.

Pre-hydration.

Speaking of food, I just got an email from Chipotle trying to get me to try their new "Plant-based Chorizo."

I may have to investigate.

You're on a mailing list?

Yeah, I think that's because I have the Chipotle app. It does offer easy ordering and occasional free guac.

<==Is on zero food email lists

I've bonked so many times that I almost always carry a banana or two if more than a couple hours. And if I don't take any, I pick them up enroute. Buying a banana around here is like taking candy from a baby.

Hard Zwift endurance workouts really break me down; something about that 100% continuous effort. Have never had to eat during one though.

In other words, Sofritas

mental exhaustion

Doc, I've asked this before. Why do vegetarians want food that taste like meat?

I actually don't seek out fake meat stuff. I think a lot of nouveaux veg people do, however, so there is demand for these products.

I have never had chorizo before, so am willing to try a meatless version.

I just pick mine from the trees along the roads.

Back at work after 10 days off. I'm not a fan.