Fuel for the body

[hughes]

Hey guy's what are ya'll using to keep your fluids up during these hot days of riding Water or powerade Do I need to eat anything during the day at water breaks I have been drink water only and not eating alot for breakfast. Do the Red Bull drinks really work for engry during riding

[Timbowe]

Nothing quenches my thirst like good ol water. I carry it in a camelbak with a little lime added. Dont find that I really have to eat much. Big breeky and decent tea when ya get home sorts me out food wise. As for the NRG drinks, I used to guzzle them back when road racing. Seemed good for concentration, but after a few races I startes to get headaches. Plus they are mostly sugar. See you can get sugar free types now tho.    $0.02 Tim.

[JP]

It`s best to hydrate in the days leading up to an event.3-4 litres (1 gallon) a day if you think it`s going to be really hot. You should be drinking at least 8 cups of water anyway to stay healthy. I`ve found sports drinks are good during riding days if I am sweating alot to replace the lost minerals. I like to water them down, 50/50 mix.

[mikesmith]

Good advice allready given above,I like plain water and you may try pedalight before/after riding (I get the cheap stuff at Wal-Mart) and I eat like I would any other day (maybe more fruit).I wear a Camel back and carry a Moose jug,bring enough so if you have to walk out you can survive.

[alan]

I mix a meal replacement drink called, Ultra Fuel with water and never run out of energy! And of course I drink lots of water!

Alan

[ebers17]

So far i've found straight cold water is the best for me liquid wise.  I was diluting gatorade in the camel back but found it wasnt as satisfying.
Alan, is ultra fuel something you'd put in your camel back?  This sounds funny, but i find myself hungry about a little over an hour into a race, and I dont know what to do about it

[hughes]

What would ya'll eat during the day My wife came by the local track last week and brought a picnic. After eating I started getting cramps in my legs and arms.

[mikesmith]

Cramps are normally a sighn of dehydration, dont hink it was from food.

[alan]

So far i've found straight cold water is the best for me liquid wise.  I was diluting gatorade in the camel back but found it wasnt as satisfying.
Alan, is ultra fuel something you'd put in your camel back?  This sounds funny, but i find myself hungry about a little over an hour into a race, and I dont know what to do about it

Yep, I put in my camel back with ice and water! It comes in liquid and power mix, I was always running out of gas and becoming exhausted and being in the exercise equipment business I ask one the trainers that comes in the store what I could use to keep hydrated, restore electrolytes and give me energy while I am riding! I buy it on line by the case of 12 bottles per case, here is the link!

http://www.a1nutritionproducts.com/buy/twinlab/ultra_fuel/rtd

[KXcam22]

For racetime fuel my secret was always (and still is) bananas.  That is all I would eat all day. Gives you lots of energy, absorbs quick and has enough potasium to prevent cramps or arm-pump.  For hydration it was always water or flat 7uP.  Everyone is different but this is what worked for me.  Real gatorade (the powedered stuff) works quite well too.  In my first real trial with it I entered a 100mile Xcountry at the last minute a few years back. No prep and had'nt ridden for 3 months prior. All I had was some gatorade.  After I few 60min laps I was beat, so I guzzled a jug of gatorade at each pit stop.  The energy boost was dramatic and I felt like superman...but only for 3/4 of a lap until it wore off.  Had planned to ride it just for fun but got the holeshot, the old adrenaline came back, and had to go for it! Old guys rule....sometimes. Cam.

[kiwikx500]

#1 put alot of sugar in water and you will have your red bull or there abouts - its all alot of energy drinks are.Get some slow release carbs into ya in the morning with some protein eg eggs on toast,a bit of protein with the carbs - "will make the flame burn better and longer"

[Arigato]

Along with the aforementioned pre-hydrating and a lot of water during the event,  a breakfast of oatmeal and whey protien powder goes a long way.  Simple fruits like an apple or a nectarine keep things going nicely.  A good protien drink or a turkey sandwich on whole grain bread is a good snack as well.  Keep it simple and balanced, no fatty stuff and lots of water. 

Arigato

Don't forget the wasabi.

[steeldust]

To me the best is to drink plenty of water the night before.  Eat bannas before rifding to prevent the cramps and wear a camelbak if your going to be a ways from the truck. I make sure the water is the same temp as outside or warmer since it will absorb faster into the body.  Your body has to heat the cold water up which takes longer to absorb.  I know hot water sucks but you learn after being in the desert.

[kiwikx500]

Interesting point to me steeldust about the cold vswarm water never new that do now - thanks to you,cheers

[hughes]

I have great results with Propel fitness water. It seems to work better than the sport drinks. I bought a camel back that helps out a lot. Makes you drink more and more often.