RubyBelle

Hi. Just bought a bike after 20 years of no bike and I'm loving it. I'm just having fun - sure - want to be more in shape - but less interested in how far/how hard I ride, and more in just enjoying it and playing. So far, so good - been loving it - remembering how great it is to be on a bike. Taking easy rides - 9 miles is the farthest I've gone. Riding once or twice/week.

Yesterday, after a normal day of work, I went for a sweet little ride -very easy - no hills - rode for about 50 minutes ish. Out of nowhere, about 40-45 minutes in, I felt unstable on the bike - was having a hard time balancing, slightly dizzy, but mostly unbalanced, felt like my legs were on 'auto-pilot' and like I had little stamina. Very strange and uncomfortable. Had eaten normally that day - don't have any kind of conditions that would spark low blood sugar for no reason. I've heard of bonking, but seems that only happens to serious riders on long or high exertion rides. Anyone experience this or heard of it? It was kind of alarming and would like to prevent it happening again if I can figure out what 'it' was. Thanks!

Little Darwin

First, you may want to check with your doctor.

Your body can deplete stores of easily available energy even if you are not riding hard. You could also be dealing with dehydration if you are one of the many that don't drink enough water, especially if it is hot in your area.

You shouldn't have to either eat or drink within 45 minutes unless something else is at play, but it may be a good habit so that you can take longer rides when you want to.

no1mad 

+1 on consult your Health Care Provider and possible dehydration as well. I had some blood work done for the first time in years and even though I thought I was healthy, the results showed some issues- most of which were caught early enough and should be able to avoid the meds with tweaking the nutrition and exercise regimens.

Machka 

+2 for seek medical attention. It is recommended that we get a complete physical before beginning an exercise program.

+2 for dehydration. How much did you have to drink that day?

Looigi

Certainly sounds like a bonk,though from your description of the circumstances that normally wouldn't be expected. My wife is a bit hypoglycemic and can bonk very easily and unexpectedly at times.

Wspsux

Im diabetic so I bonk all the time, and by bonking I mean my sugar drops. Sounds like you may have had a low blood sugar. Remedy? Take a break drink/eat something with carbs or sugar. Maybe go to your doc if it becomes a regular thing.

linnefaulk

See your doctor. Work up slowly.

Velo Dog

Another vote for the doctor. I had similar symptoms as a well-conditioned runner many years ago, and an EKG found that I was in atrial fibrillation. It's dangerous if not treated, but I've had no more problems in 25 years. I don't even think about it anymore.

J.C. Koto

I don't want to get too personal so I'd understand if you prefer to ignore this comment but could you explain what treatment that entailed for you i.e. was it a one time treatment or is it something that requires ongoing maintenance?