Coffee, as much for kickstarting my respiration as anything else. Helps with asthma and pain reduction. A couple of cups with Dunkin Donut's creamer before a ride.

I usually eat yogurt with a banana and cereal or oatmeal before a ride, day or night. That's usually the only proper food I need for a 20-30 mile ride.

On hard training rides of 20-50 miles, especially in the heat, I've been getting by with just glucose tablets made for diabetics since this summer. Usually I don't take one until about 30 miles in, then every half hour or so. I tried other stuff but most of it gave me indigestion and the burps when I was trying to climb. Cheaper than gel packs and energy bars, seems to work about as well. I can eat properly after I finish and cool off. I usually carry an energy bar but don't always eat it. The glucose tabs come in plastic tubes so they're sweatproof and rainproof. Fits in a jersey pocket, can flip 'em open and closed one-handed.

And electrolytes in at least one water bottle. I prefer DripDrop if I can find it, otherwise Gatorade Propel which is much cheaper. Both come in little waterproof Mylar packets, about the size of a fat cigarette, and fit anywhere in a small seat bag or pocket.

On longer casual rides I can eat anything. Hamburgers, pizza, Mexican food, beer. As long as I'm in Zone 1 or 2, no problems.