Yeah, don't take creatine before your ride. I have a few customers ask about this atleast 3 times a week during the summer. It's like taking your car to the gas pump when you already have a full tank. Take a good multi-vitamin, take in about 40 grams of protein after your ride, and I mean as soon as you're off the bike, drink a protein shake. For energy before/during a ride I take Clif Shot Blocks. Black cherry is good. Margarita is horrible. And of course, water and maybe some gatorade. Toss in a bar and you should be ready to roll. Good luck.