Help for a 6 hour endurance race

[Higgins617]

So I've committed to doing a very demanding 6 hour mountain bike endurance race, AWESOME!! I'm completely pumped about it and already feeling the butterflies just thinking about it. But I have one big concern that I'm not entirely sure how to take care of.

I've always been active, different sports and outdoor activities constantly. The one thing I've yet to do is take part of something that is high intensity and long distance. I'm usually one or the other, so my problem comes down to the fact that I really don't know how to properly keep myself fueled so I don't hit the wall.

Any advice?

[NKlamerus]

I'm no expert but the first thought that comes to mind is Complex Carbs. Bread and pasta. But try to limit creams.

I also know joggers, including the ones in high school, would always take pepto bismol before running. Even if they didn't eat, an empty stomach or a full one churning during every stride will not help you continue.

Do you take any supplements? Or stimulants?

(Caffiene, B12, Protien, Beta Alenine, Creatine, etc...)

[captain spaulding]

I'm not really able to help, but one suggestion I can throw your way is to look into bringing a Cliff bar with you. I recently read they are terrible for you to just eat, but are great for a meal replacement or if you are going to be doing something like a marathon. Something to look into. I'm not sure if this will help you at all, but figured I would at least put it out their for you to look into.

[dks]

Guiness

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

When I used to do long rides of about 60 miles, I practically lived on flap jacks

There's plenty of advice in magazines and proper cycling specific snacks too, you could read up on. Best advice I have is eat little and often, like they do on the Tour

[dks]

Just focus on the cyclist in front of you and work through the pain...

[Syncop8r]

I taped a packet of these http://guenergy.com/shop/chomps to each arm when I have run a marathon. Watermelon is my favourite flavour.
I would take some sort of nut mix too.

[hiraethus]

You have to get used to what YOU need on a long ride.  I'm guessing it's not for a while, so you've got time to train for both the time and intensity that you'll be riding at in the race.  Use your training rides to test food, drink and equipment as well as building pace and stamina.  You might find that you prefer 'real' food over gels and energy drink, for example.

[Syncop8r]

You have to get used to what YOU need on a long ride.  I'm guessing it's not for a while, so you've got time to train for both the time and intensity that you'll be riding at in the race.  Use your training rides to test food, drink and equipment as well as building pace and stamina.  You might find that you prefer 'real' food over gels and energy drink, for example.

^This. On my first marathon I had a gel which I had never tried before. It was sickly sweet and went right through me. 10 minutes or so of my race time was spent in a portaloo.

[kirk13]

I'd agree with a lot of what the guys have said(oddly enough,not the Guinness though )

When i was doing 50 odd mile rides,I'd start with a carb heavy dinner the night before(pasta or whatever),breakfast of bacon and eggs,fried slice etc(protein,simple and complex carbs).

Once on the go,I'd have Mars bars,peanuts and bananas for snacking,ham and egg rolls for a meal. Hydration was the biggest secret: 2l camel pack,and two 600ml bottle of moonjuice(45%hydrotonic drink,45%isotonic drink,10%red bull). Moonjuice is seriously evil!

[Zed]

As said Carbs  i raced back in the 90's and lived on chicken and pasta,rice,and energy bars,oh and bananas  when i trained i did average of 70-80 mile a day as well as weights, keep well hydrated as well,sugar drinks work well on stops,and water while riding,oh i also carried fruity chews  good luck on your race,i did a 24hr mtb race around 1991ish,was a lot of fun and pain 

[Higgins617]

Thank you guys, I really appreciate the input. I have a good amount of time to get it sorted out, race isn't until June. I've been reading up on it a bit but I figured it wouldn't be a bad idea to ask to see if there was any first hand knowledge, which you guys have

Regardless it should be a blast.

[Aloha]

Carb load before the race and as others have said test while training.  Eating while riding may prove some foods are easier than other to consume and also how your body reacts. Needless to say hydration is very important especially when eating some gels/gummies/bars.  Sport drinks are great but for me I tend to get ill if I drink to much so I tend to drink them early.  I'll dilute one for the middle part but mostly consume water. 

Have a blast and stay mentally tough.   

[NKlamerus]

I'd agree with a lot of what the guys have said(oddly enough,not the Guinness though )

When i was doing 50 odd mile rides,I'd start with a carb heavy dinner the night before(pasta or whatever),breakfast of bacon and eggs,fried slice etc(protein,simple and complex carbs).

Once on the go,I'd have Mars bars,peanuts and bananas for snacking,ham and egg rolls for a meal. Hydration was the biggest secret: 2l camel pack,and two 600ml bottle of moonjuice(45%hydrotonic drink,45%isotonic drink,10%red bull). Moonjuice is seriously evil!

Is that the only Name for it?? Sounds interesting.

Reminds of a Divers "Jive"

Which is practically OJ and a disclosed liquid. Suppose to replenish the body once you get up from 50+ ft and back to the deck.


***Google rocks
http://www.bikeradar.com/us/gear/article/nutrition-think-drink-14197/

[kirk13]

Moonjuice used to be a name for non-standard fuel mixes when my dad was racing bikes. I've a general rule against stuff like Red Bull...it just isn't healthy what that stuff can do,but,on race day,anything that can help....