Originally Posted by
TromboneAl
I've been doing very low carb for three years. I used to think I needed some extra carbs during a ride, but I found that I do not. On my weekly hilly, 62 mile rides I typically eat 2-3 Quest protein bars that have 4 grams each of net carbs on that ride.
It apparently takes a while for your body to become an efficient fat burner.
I admit I ate carbs at the rest stops on a recent supported century, but I'm sure I didn't need them.
There's a very strong psychological component to this stuff. If one gets hungry during a long ride, it's easy to interpret it as "needing carbs." My hunger is as satisfied with a Quest bar as with a Power bar, and I get the same feeling of "now I have more energy" as I did with the sugary bars that I used to eat.
I amazed by the change attitude with cyclists. A few years ago, this thread would filled with derisive posts.
You know, this thread reminded me that I didn't eat anything on my 1st couple of centuries. I think I bonked more from running out of water on my 2nd. I sure didn't set any records in those but some of the guys that finished in just over 4 hours only ate bananas or other light stuff I was told.
On the other hand, when I was trying to make time in a later century I certainly did bonk from lack of food and a glazed donut from a sag wagon driver recovered me quite nicely for the last leg.
So I think there's something in what you're saying.....Late for my ride, gotta go.