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What is the best thing to eat before a long bike ride?

4 min read

Asked by: Sugey Banacowski

Porridge is the perfect pre-ride breakfast but, for longer rides, an additional 2-3 egg omelette will give you some more slow release energy. Many cyclists can’t function without coffee, but ensure you keep hydrated and sip at 500 ml of water or isotonic sports drink in the time leading up to your ride.

How do I prepare my body for a long bike ride?

Before a long bike ride, make sure you eat a hearty breakfast, ideally with lots of carbohydrates and a bit of protein. This will ensure you have energy before and throughout your ride. During your ride, eating simple carbohydrates such as bananas or sweets will keep your energy stores up.

What should you not eat before cycling?


High GI fees can also affect your body's ability to burn fat. Therefore you're better off for the whole grain breakfast cereal which will drip feed your muscles energy over a longer period.

What should I eat before a 100 mile bike ride?

You’ll need carbs and protein to refuel your glycogen and repair damaged fibres in your muscles. Good options include milk-based drinks, recovery drinks, cheese sandwiches, yogurt, protein bars, flapjacks and bananas.

When should you eat before a bike ride?

In general, allow 2-4 hours before cycling, following a larger meal to allow for digestion, and 30mins – 2hours for a smaller snack.

What should I eat on a 50 mile bike ride?

Emphasize carbohydrates such as pasta, vegetables, bread, whole grains, and fruit. Don’t forget dessert! Don’t Skip Breakfast. Cycling’s smooth pedaling motion means you can eat just before a long ride without risking stomach upset.

What should I eat before a 2 hour bike ride?

Best Pre-Ride Foods For Cyclists

  • Quinoa. A great alternative to rice or couscous Quinoa (pronounced Keen-Wa), has twice the protein of regular cereal grains and is great for providing slow-release energy for the cyclist. …
  • Pasta. …
  • Bread. …
  • Porridge. …
  • Granola. …
  • Bagel. …
  • Energy bar. …
  • Bananas.

Should you cycle on an empty stomach?

Improved glycogen storage



Studies also show that exercising while fasted increases the efficiency of muscle glycogen storage. This basically means that riding with no food in your stomach teaches your body to make better use of the glycogen stores you already have.

Are eggs good before cycling?

Yes, eggs can be good pre-cycling fuel when paired with a carbohydrate 2-4 hours before you jump on the bike. One large egg has 70 calories, 6 grams of protein, 0 grams of carbohydrates, and 13 essential vitamins and minerals.

What is a good breakfast before a bike ride?

Starting off with a variety of healthy fats, protein, and unrefined carbs, such as oatmeal and whole-grain breads, delivers sustained energy that curbs cravings. The key is to tailor the meal to the kind of riding you’ll do.

Are bananas good for cycling?

Bananas are the number one cycling food. They are perfectly balanced to replace the electrolytes lost through sweat, particularly potassium as well as providing 25g-30g of carbohydrate to supply energy to our cycling muscles.

What do cyclists eat on long rides?

Cycling Nutrition During the Ride

  • Bananas (high in carbs)
  • Trail mix (high in healthy fats, protein, and concentrated carbs)
  • A peanut butter and jelly sandwich (high in protein, carbs, and healthy fats)
  • Cheese cubes (high in protein and healthy fats)


Is cycling 2 hours a day too much?

In most cases, cycling twice a day is not too much. Many athletes train twice a day and there is no reason for cyclists to be any different. The important factors are the overall volume and intensity combined with fitness at any given time. In many cases, cycling twice a day can be very beneficial.

What is a good distance to cycle daily?

The average individual conducting a long-distance bicycle tour will cycle between 40 and 60 miles (64 – 96 kilometers) each day. However, distances both shorter and longer than this are quite common. 40 to 60 miles is the average daily distance recommended for most bicycle tourists.

What should I eat the morning of a big ride?

Good options include low fat fruit smoothies, bagels, low fat muffins or banana bread, raisin toast, sandwiches or toast. All of these foods are digested relatively quickly but will give your muscles a significant load of carbohydrate.