I did an 87 mile ride bike ride Saturday. Felt pretty good, but I definately need to find better foods for maintaining my energy. I used to do the whole cliff bar/powerbar thing, but Lara bar's don't seem to have the same staying power....

Any suggestions?
Geoff

I agree about the Lara bars (yummy but not so sustaining). I think bananas are miraculous (great pre- or post-ride as well as during). I know they can get mushy if it's really hot out, but otherwise you can't beat 'em. You can make your own trail mix, too (walnuts, raisins, etc). It's a bummer not be be able to just grab a powerbar, but a little prep goes a long way.

Happy Trails! (and let me know if you discover any good gluten-free power foods)

Donya

Just got back from a fast, hilly, windy 50 miles where I kept up with the guys and decisively dropped the other girls on the ride...

Don't know if this is partially responsible for my success but, halfway through I chowed down on 2 leftover pancakes with jam & p.b. sandwiched between. The pancakes were made with Bob's Red Mill gluten-free Pancake mix, which was pretty tasty for Sunday brunch and then after overnight refrigeration held up well in my jersey pocket the next morning. They were slightly cakey/crumbly in texture but the pb&j kept things mostly together.

My other favourite on long rides is p.b. sandwiched between 2 ginger cookies. I individually wrap a few of them and they're great 2-bite snacks on long rides.

But then, my stomach can handle dense food while riding (I used to messenger in Toronto--hello, street vendor veggie dogs) and my wallet cannot handle the wonderful but spendy gels and goos and things. I do pop for a Lara Bar once in a while but I find pancake, ginger cookie, etc. p.b. sandwiches hold me better anyway.

hi, im a runner so i totaly understand, i find that peanut butter is your best friend, lara bars are okay for post run but not for pre thats for sure. i also like cottage cheeze, i find i function better is i eat something fairly dense along with a carb, im still tinkering on pre run food as im new to all this stuff, pancakes with pb and j sounds great though!

I did a half ironman last year. On the bike I brought along boiled potatoes w/a little salt on them. I cut them up into smaller pieces and put the in a zip lock and they worked out fine.

Pre runs and stuff I do the pancake w/peanut butter OR gluten-free frozen waffles with peanut butter.

I also tend to do Snickers minis if it's not too hot outside.

gluten-free pancakes with a small amount of peanut butter and jam are always a tasty treat on the road, I've found.

[font="Comic Sans MS"][/font] I ride 50 mile bike rides every weekend and i have found a locally made product that is amazing! They are full of electrolytes and they are 100% gluten free---they are called "Sharkies" and they come in 3 flavors.

Hey Geoff,

Not to be a buzz kill, but Cliff Bars have gluten in them. I know on the wrapper it says they source from non wheat or something, but on the Cliff Bar web site, it says they are not gluten free. I've been on the search for the perfect gluten-free sports bar. I like Balance peanut/honey/yogurt bars. They last well on long rides.

Dee

Dee,

Thanks. When I said "I used to do the cliff bar thing" I meant before my diagnosis. I have had the CLiff Nectar bars, are those not gluten-free? I've been using Lara bars mostly, but I'll have to look for the Balance bars....

Geoff

I am in full training for Ironman Louisville, my first Ironman, as well as my first long race since being diagnosed in December. I will have to agree that the Lara Bars are just not enough on a 5 hour ride ...

I have been using the Pure Fit Bars, they taste alright and have a lot more nutrition. They are great in the heat, they do not melt and hold up really well. Best all around bar in my opionion.

http://www.purefit.com/store/

I also use the Zone Perfect bars, I have called the company and a couple of the bars are gluten-free, I have been using the Fudge Graham and never had a problem ... just be careful in the heat, they can get messy.

http://www.zoneperfect.com/

Give them a try ... hope that this helps.

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Oh great I am so glad I have found this blog!!!!!! I am gluten-free for 3 years now but recently had to switch to the SCD Diet. I am doing great now actually best ever(Health wise). I used to run distance and now just middle distance, 21 - 15 kilometers. I am so burnt after training I hit my "wall' sooner now and my recovery is slower. I run and cross train in the pool so I am doing about 30-40 miles running and 6 miles swimming a week with one strength training day. Fruits and veggies don't do me like they used to, and protein is great but I'm hungry!!!!!!!!!!!! and tired. Advice anyone please?

I think the best thing out there is the Bumble Bar. Great flavors (chocolate, Chai w/ almonds, and apricot are my favs) and all flavors are gluten free. They have alot of Omega oils, nuts and dried fruit. They are light and tasty, yet satisfying....a nice change from those heavy meal replacement bars

http://www.bumblebar.com/