Originally Posted by MinnMan

I think everybody here is already on the same page on this one, but a common mistake made by us amateurs doing longish rides is to wait until rest stops to eat and then to eat a whole bunch. Well, maybe I shouldn't say it's a mistake, because I know a bunch of people who do it and perhaps it works for them. Randonneurs who stop to eat a full meal, like a burger or a sandwich.

Eating small amounts consistently and repeatedly, while on the road, seems like a much better way to fuel.

Also, it's notable that in the second half of his race, MvdP was taking in mostly gels - easily digestible simple carbs. Making no claims to any kind of wisdom, this is also what works for me, though not necessarily with the discipline of specific intervals. Once I pass a certain point, I'm consuming either gels or energy chews at regular small intervals.