OK folks, I’ve got some feedback for you based on the tips you all gave me. I took a 28 mile ride on the local trail today, and I utilized the tips and tricks from this post. Brilliant! The last time I rode the 28 mile trail I bonked hard and almost didn’t make it back. I hadn’t ridden in a while, and all I took was one bottle of water. Wasn’t pretty. But today, I paced myself, took extra water and Gatorade, and some protein bars and other snacks. I had a hearty breakfast, I drank before I was thirsty, I snacked every 30 minutes, I stopped to stretch occasionally, and I changed positions. I figure if those tips would work on a hundred mile ride they should work for a shorter ride too. And they did! I got back from the ride with energy to spare. I’m at 88 miles for the past 5 days, so I’m going to go do those last 12 later today. Finishing my hundred for the week with 2 days to spare, thanks to your advice. Now I’m more confident than ever about completing a century ride in one day. Thank you everyone!
Mike