<<<<<Glucose is converted to ATP and other substrates >>>>>

What part about other "substrates" don't you understand? Yes, my statements are technically inaccurate.

However, I would suppose, the answer is: Just continue to "top off" your energy stores during a ride and hope the slight "overload" isn't detrimental to performance.

The gist of my question was to solicit comments about intensity and length of exercise in realtionship to supplying differing blends or ratio of carbohydrates and or fat, protein, bulk etc.

Many athletes are turning to energy replacement formulations containing 20-25% percent protein. These athletes are using these products from the start of a given event.

My own suspicion, is that the best performance would be had by delaying or skipping the use of protein/laden products for events less than 12 hours.
However, I still wonder if in fact, with less intensity, that the protein containing product, could be beneficial to future performance if used from the start of an event.

Please excuse my over simplification, I have neither the time nor inclination to frame and describe my hypothesis in a technical manner.

Thank you for all your wonderful posts, you are truly a valuable resource.