Drink and look at an energy additive to put in the bottle. And if starting from home- couple of cups of coffee before going will help aswell. up to about 2 hours- you should not have to eat but anything that will give energy on a ride is a bonus. Oatmeal or a good fried breakfast helps- or 1 hour into a ride- a stop for pie and coffee helps.
Sounds like you just have to fuel up a bit better to give the bike a decent ride- but that will come with practice.
Edit
And Camelbacks--- Mainly used by Mountain bikers and Road riders that come from that origin. I use a camelback on the longer rides and find it easier to keep sipping from. Dead easy to just put the spout in the mouth and take a few sips than reaching down for a bottle. And you can then fill the camelback with the energy drink and keep the water in the bottle to wash away the taste of the gel you will also be taking on the long rides.
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Last edited by stapfam; 05-25-08 at 03:01 AM.