I've had some of the same issues and have read a lot on these forums about nutrition and hydration before and during a ride. What I think I've learned is that what works for some won't work for others ... there is no "one size fits all." That said, a lot of what I've read here seemed to be good ideas so I've experimented and found what works for 20-30 miles rides for me. I haven't discovered what's ideal for longer rides yet but I feel like I'm getting close.

Anyway ... I eat one packet of instant oatmeal and maybe a banana about 30-60 minutes before my ride (I usually get an early start). I take two bottles of water, the larger one is plain and the smaller one has two scoops of Heed. That's it. I drink all the plain water first by which time I figure I've burned through my energy stores and most of the oatmeal, then I start drinking the Heed. I don't carry any bars or gels or bloks or anything else. 30 miles takes 1:45 to 1:55. Temps here have been running in the 65-70 degree range. When temps get above that I usually carry an extra bottle of plain water. I'm just starting to feel hungry when I'm done and I don't feel trashed.