Just to catalog my efforts. I definitely did not know how to hydrate/feed on the 45 mile ride.
I did a 63 mile last weekend, had enough to drink, maybe could use more, and ate much more/better.
I felt great the whole ride, was not ravenous at the end and felt like I could keep going the whole 80 that day.
I feel much better about the event now. I've been riding two to three times during the week, 20 -30 miles and Sat long (70 this week) and Sun a recovery 20 miler. Feel good buut need to make sure i drink enough and get good calories in.
Question for anyone reading:
How do you count commuting miles if done at a hard pace? 9.5 miles each way Am and PM. Do you consider them 19 miles for the day or should I add more on the back end every day?