sch, that's what I drink before a morning ride.... 2 cups of black coffee and out I go. I also take a multi vitamin, a B complex and a potassium pill too. My average club ride is two hours long and fast, about 40-42 miles and near 2,000' of climbing involved.
On longer rides (like yesterday), I bring a gel or two and an extra potassium pill. I knew yesterdays ride would be long, but at a relaxed pace with numerous rest stops to accommodate all in the group (only 4 of us).
I had no hint of cramping until about a 1/2 hour after the bakery stop and that soda drink. Someone told me that if you pinch your upper lip (not too hard), the crapping will stop, assuming it is nerve related and not lack of nutrition.
I'm glad that it's all over but I still an determined to figure it all out, since I never cramp but haven't been riding that long either.