From my personal experiences, you hit the very number I consider when getting ready for a ride. If my ride on Saturday morning is planned at 50 or more miles I eat a good hearty meal Friday night that often includes pasta. For less than 50 miles I eat normally, which is much less than it was in the past as I am trying to get much leaner. If the ride ends up at 70 or more miles I eat well on Saturday night also. The body needs the nutrition after the ride.