The bit I have to work out is eating on the bike - something I've never done. What should I be trying out? gels? power/clif bars? I want to experiment with different options and see how my energy levels go. I'm doing lots of research at the moment.
Just start trying out different food and see what works. Your food should be tolerable, easy to eat on the bike, have the proper nutrional values (a good ratio of complex and simple carbs along with sodium and potassium) and be easy to carry in a jersey pocket. On a 100 mile ride I bring one gel flask, a baggie with about 6 Fig Newtons and some dried fruit, a banana and 1 or 2 Cliff Bars. Some other good choices are: pretzels (lots of carbs, no sugar and plenty of sodium), your own trail mix of granola, dried fruit and nuts, PB&J sandwich, just about any fruit. As far as gels and bars go, they're are a lot to choose from, some are terrible and some are pretty tolerable. I would go a get a few different brands and try them out. I like the Carb Boom brand of gels and Cliff Bars. Once you find one you like, stick to it and start using them regularly on your long rides. At first eating on the bike may upset your digestive system, keep at it and your body will adjust.