I have noticed that lately i've been getting really dizzy after i go on a long ride. i keep my hydration up, and usually eat something like a sandwich or some oatmeal before i go riding. Anyone know why this could be? What do you eat before/during a ride?
what do you eat before you ride?
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How long of a ride are you talking about, 20 miles, 50, 100? How many hours of cycling? If you are only eating a single sandwhich < 500 calories, and you are riding more than two hours, then I can understand this.
As a long distance rider with seven - eight years experience, I do NOT eat anything within three hours of a long event (more than 50 miles). I just start drinking when I start pedalling. I say drinking because liquid calories can be more easily digested and pass through your system and become usable energy quicker, depending on the kind of calories you ingest. Take a look at Hammer Nutrition's website and look at their knowledge base for very good, real scientific and real world information.
As a long distance rider with seven - eight years experience, I do NOT eat anything within three hours of a long event (more than 50 miles). I just start drinking when I start pedalling. I say drinking because liquid calories can be more easily digested and pass through your system and become usable energy quicker, depending on the kind of calories you ingest. Take a look at Hammer Nutrition's website and look at their knowledge base for very good, real scientific and real world information.
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Complex carbs (like oatmeal) with some, but not a lot of protein. Sandwiches are ok, if you use whole grain bread and not a ton of meat and cheese. Protein is hard to digest and too much will make you feel like crap. What is too much depends on you. PB&J's work well. Whole wheat pasta is also good. Simple carbs burn up too fast and cause your blood sugar to spike and then it crashes causing you to feel tired and fatigued. The "what to eat" thing really varies from person to person and requires some experimentation. What works for me, may not work for you.
It sounds to me like you are just not consuming enough calories for the amount of riding that you are doing. You may want to eat a little more and carry a flask of something like Hammer Gel. Take a shot periodically to keep your energy up and to use in case of the dreaded bonk.
Another thing to consider, especially in the summer, is electrolyte replacement. I sweat like a pig in the summer. I've been on rides where I've had to fill my Camelbak as many as 3 times. I put electrolytes directly into my water to make sure that they are getting replenished.
Hope this helps.
-Scott
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I will usually eat 3 eggs on some whole wheat tortilla shells. It seems to give me plenty of energy, protien, and it's low carb so it's helping me drop some weight. Careful eating something like that before a ride on a hot day cuz eggs don't settle well with some people. I ALWAYS make a bathroom pit-stop before the ride to minimize the mid-ride-belly-rumble. A glass of orange juice helps me keep the sugar levels up followed by a couple glasses of water. plenty of water on the ride and some electrolyte replacers helps a ton too. I like the GU packs or gatorade mix in the water bottle.
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I would take some 5 hour energy, and energy / protein bars
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Maybe you should drink orange juice and bring some candy it might be blood sugar?
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I would probably just eat a bag of doritos and drink a dr pepper
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Have you heard of the Germantown in TN ?
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No, can't say as I have. Do they have Amish there? Actually, the Amish that we have here come from Lancaster, PA. They just come to Germantown to pedal their delicious pork products encrusted in pretzle dough and such Thursday through Saturday.
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I like granola bars, fruit, and trail mix before/during a ride.
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i also am a long distance rider.been doing it for some 30 years.if there's one thing i know,you must already have that energy in you before you leave! acouple of hard boiled eggs, one slice of 9 grain whole wheat bread with peanut butter(jiff with honey is my fav.) and a couple of bananas should get you thru for a while!and wash that all down with a big glass of Fla.fresh squeezed orange juice!! do that abot 45 minutes to an hour before you leave and you should not have a problem.just keep drinking those liquids too while riding. ride on
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The problem I have with low-carb things is that it almost feels like it defeats the purpose of eating it.
I say this because Carbs are essentially the fuel we run on. I don't eat amazingly high-carb stuff myself, necessarily, but I don't care for the low-carb idea.
Not that what you're eating it really that low in carbs (atkins-esque is what I'm referring to), but I just thought I'd voice that.
For me, it's usually like eggs or oatmeal, often with toast or a bagel or something like that.
I usually only bring water for trail-rides, because I can use it to cool down as well (gotta love cold water on the skin after a long summer ride in the forests/dirt).
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Best pre ride breakfast ever!
The Mountain Man Taco
From The Mountain Rose Cafe
Two scrambled eggs, seasoned black beans, chorizo, with shreaded jack & cheddar on crisp fry bread. Served with fresh homemade pico de gallo, shredded lettuce, and home fries.
I had this while I was in Winter Park last weekend. I rode all day and didn't have to eat again 'till dinner.
Wish I'd taken a photo of it cuz it was awesome!
The Mountain Man Taco
From The Mountain Rose Cafe
Two scrambled eggs, seasoned black beans, chorizo, with shreaded jack & cheddar on crisp fry bread. Served with fresh homemade pico de gallo, shredded lettuce, and home fries.
I had this while I was in Winter Park last weekend. I rode all day and didn't have to eat again 'till dinner.
Wish I'd taken a photo of it cuz it was awesome!
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