A lot of people have told me to eat a banana or two an hour before a ride and I tried that. I guess, due to the high fiber, it just made me need a bathroom soon after the ride so I don't dare eat them before a long ride. I did take a good multi vitamin and a potassium pill before the ride, and another while on the ride. I did drink 4 full bottles of electrolyte water and had 1 eGel (150 cal, not 100 calorie).

We took a few liberal rests and the ride was at a relaxed pace for me so I didn't feel that I was pushing myself until the last 6 miles when the leg cramps started. Both legs, inner thigh, back of thigh and calves.

I think my soda days, as short lived as they were, are officially over. I know some club cyclist have told me a "Coke" after a ride helps them.