I drink 400 cal. of a 1:7 mix of maltodextrin and soy protein 2 hours before every long group ride. I start eating 15 minutes into the ride. That's only if it's a group ride or brevet and I have to actually perform. If it's just a training ride by myself, I'll still eat something 2 hours before, but then won't eat much during. No worry about getting dropped if my blood sugar does.