General Cycling Discussion - Winded after the ride today!!!

Now im not quite sure the reasons why I got winded today after my ride I believe I have plenty endurance. A nice little 14 mile ride today, it was hot in the 90's with the sun baring down. I hadn't eaten much before my ride nor did I bring water (stupid me!). Early into my ride I started breathing really heavy and getting up the hills was deffiantly not easy, my first real ride today. Took about an hour minutes for 14 miles and I got home and was ticked off to see it took that long. Just bought a slightly used Fuji Roubaix today, got a brand new seat. It's a full steel bike so its better than the aluminum crap. I didn't buy the carbon fiber fork only because it was too big for the bike and money was a factor. But besides that, is it because I didn't eat anything or had any water that I got winded? Help me out, I got a ride coming up in about a month. I need help so in my future rides I can conserve my energy or find some energy.

Hydration and fuel make all the difference in the world.

Aluminum crap-won't make too many friends that way. Riding 14 miles in the heat without water is asking for trouble. Rode my aluminum crap for 45 miles today.

Opps sry, a matter of fact that was juat a quote from one of the people at the LBS, but I will give aluminum its props, but every rider has their own specific comforts

With no food, your body has nothing to burn for fuel. With no water, you're asking for dehydration which will drop your performance in it's tracks even when it's slight. No matter what those on the Atkins diet will tell you, if you're a serious athlete who does a lot of biking, running, or any other high intensity sport, you need carbs. In fact, they should be something like 60% of your daily diet. So eat up. If you're not going to eat an actual meal during the day though, the carb content in say a Powerbar will give your body enough kick for a ride. That's what I make a quick breakfast when I go for early morning rides. Your body needs to be fueled, and be hydrated for it to work. Don't make the same mistake twice or it could be trouble.