Thanks to everyone for the really great input. FbinNY makes some excellent points. As a (former) diabetic, I do have some difficulty maintaining blood sugar levels on rides, and I’ve learned to keep close tabs on that and carry remedies with me in the form of glucose tabs and high-protein/high carb bars. Typically, on a ride of 20-35 miles, I will have to wolf down one or two of the bars in order to keep my sugar from getting too low. My body is quite good in warning me about reaching that level, and since I’ve had a few scary episodes of dangerously low blood sugar, I pay attention to those warnings.

I intentionally do NOT take my blood pressure or irregular heartbeat meds prior to a ride, primarily because my after-ride BP level is always fairly low, and the heartbeat meds do tend to slow my heart rate.

Now, as for nutrition, I learned quite early on that I needed appropriate fuel prior to a morning ride, and through lots of trial and error, I’ve settled on this quite large (for me) breakfast: A poached egg on half an English muffin; a heavy slather of peanut butter on the other half; an envelope of instant oatmeal with whole milk and non-sugar sweetener, and a bottle of protein-rich Boost or similar shake.

Admittedly, as attuned as I am to my body’s ebbs and flows, I know zip about electrolyte balance, and I guess I’d better study up on it. The only time anyone has ever said anything to me about electrolytes has been the doctor’s office following my periodic blood work, and I’m always told my electrolytes are in balance, whatever that means.

From what you guys are saying, maybe I’m depending too much on my blood sugar level warning and should simply get into the habit of eating something like a power bar during the ride BEFORE I feel tired or hungry. CbadRider makes a good point: Maybe since I’m riding harder and faster than usual, I need more fuel while doing it.

I like Berner’s suggestion of gel packages. Never used them, but they sound just right for me if they are digested quickly. The bars I carry with me but seldom eat are Nature Valley Greek Yogurt Portein bars with blueberries & cranberries, some almonds & peanuts; 17 grams carb, 10 grams protein. I have to be a little careful because, in addition to my other issues, I came away from my surgery with a stomach ulcer.

Shimagnolo, the term “perfusion” is new to me, but I’ll definitely look it up and see what I can learn about the interference with it by cardiac/blood pressure meds. Thanks for the tip. It’s also something to talk with my doc about.

Good points, Gnosis. I’ve been eating the same basic breakfast before riding for the last two years, but what’s changed is I’m riding much harder and faster than ever before and also extending my ride periods and distances as well as taking more difficult routes. My egg-size stomach won’t hold any more pre-ride food, but it processes everything I eat very quickly, probably leaving me without any reserve to make up for the harder rides I’m taking.

BlazingPedals, the low HR has my docs totally baffled. At first they were alarmed and ran a bunch of tests without getting any definitive answers. They finally decided to cut my irregular heartbeat meds in half, and although I didn’t have any negative effects from that, the HR numbers increased only slightly.

Fastcarbon, I shudder to think what my BP would be if I took my meds before a ride!

Yankeetowner, you’re right. And of course, I listen to every word my wife says and do exactly as she requests........