I was going about my long ride today while prepping for a 70.3 in a few weeks. I was doing around 120k, the first 90 I really tried to get my nutrition timing/amounts down and after that I did the extra 30k which starts out as around 15k of hard undulations, then 15k of beautiful ocean side riding home. As I was finishing off the 90k, I was really feeling bagged. It was colder and windier then usual, so maybe it was that… I had a friend from out of town staying with me, and we did have a fun night out friday, so maybe I was just tired, or still feeling the effects of a bit too much boozing (which I rarely do, so I was definitely feeling off Saturday) who knows. I was wondering if maybe I screwed up something calorie wise. I had one bottle of gatorade, one of water, one of nuun (basically no calorie electrolyte drink). I had a little bit left in each bottle. For food I just had a pack of Gu chomps. Around 10k through the rollers I was feeling like I should just veer into the next oncoming car so it could all be over quickly. I was just feeling like shit, starting to cramp, and just couldn’t generate any power. Then I stopped and bought a can of coke. Holy crap did I ever come alive again, even opting for a more difficult route home just because I felt I should use this new found energy.
Is there any reason I shouldn’t just carry a bit of flat coke in a 6oz bottle in my jersey for the end of long rides? I hear a lot of stories about people doing IM’s taking some during the race, but haven’t heard much about using it while training. Anyone here do it? Is it any different then just watering down a few caffeinated gels (quick fix of sugar/caffeine)? I never drink the stuff day to day, but now I’m wondering if it could be useful!
Then I stopped and bought a can of coke. Holy crap did I ever come alive again, even opting for a more difficult route home just because I felt I should use this new found energy.
Next time, buy 2 cans of coke a big bag of fritos and a snickers bar = Rocket Fuel
For me it’s almost guaranteed for any ride over 40 miles. It’s even better if you can find the Mexican Coca-cola in the glass bottles as that recipe uses real sugar. You just need to be a little careful of the timing and quantity. Start drinking it too early and you can find yourself crashing before the ride is over.
I go with flat Mountain Dew on the last 30 minutes of a HIM bike and last hour of an IM bike. I see the benefits of both caffeine as well as the sugar, which is easy for your body to convert to fuel.
i use it often on long rides. but as others have said, dont start too early.
however, i just tried half a bottle of coke (250ml, dont know how many oz. that is, 12?) pre race at a local sprint and today at an olypic distance. worked well.
You’re welcome. But like others have said, not too early.
–Donnie
Yeah, this. Except I use Pepsi throwback. Flat Pepsi (w/ malto) is what I use for a race.
I like the Mexican Coke idea, but the Pepsi/MtDew Throwbacks are easier to find. I like MtDew better, but it’s harder on your stomach so check to make sure you can handle it first.
i use it often on long rides. but as others have said, dont start too early.
however, i just tried half a bottle of coke (250ml, dont know how many oz. that is, 12?) pre race at a local sprint and today at an olypic distance. worked well.
interesting to hear so many positive comments.
In one of the fuel belt threads over on a Running Forum, people had mentioned they keep one container of coke, one of red bull and one of something else. So I guess each item in that little buffet would have a sequence in the exercise? Coke going in last?
Then I stopped and bought a can of coke. Holy crap did I ever come alive again, even opting for a more difficult route home just because I felt I should use this new found energy.
Next time, buy 2 cans of coke a big bag of fritos and a snickers bar = Rocket Fuel
Sounds like a rocket that would propel me quite swiftly to the nearest toilet!
i use it often on long rides. but as others have said, dont start too early.
however, i just tried half a bottle of coke (250ml, dont know how many oz. that is, 12?) pre race at a local sprint and today at an olypic distance. worked well.
interesting to hear so many positive comments.
In one of the fuel belt threads over on a Running Forum, people had mentioned they keep one container of coke, one of red bull and one of something else. So I guess each item in that little buffet would have a sequence in the exercise? Coke going in last?
I’m pretty amazed too. I don’t think I’ve seen anyone use it during rides, and felt kind of stupid asking the question. Good to know I’m not alone on this one! I’m not sure if I’d be able to handle the red bull though, not only is the taste barf worthy, I just find I get waayy too jittery.
i use it often on long rides. but as others have said, dont start too early.
however, i just tried half a bottle of coke (250ml, dont know how many oz. that is, 12?) pre race at a local sprint and today at an olypic distance. worked well.
interesting to hear so many positive comments.
In one of the fuel belt threads over on a Running Forum, people had mentioned they keep one container of coke, one of red bull and one of something else. So I guess each item in that little buffet would have a sequence in the exercise? Coke going in last?
I’m pretty amazed too. I don’t think I’ve seen anyone use it during rides, and felt kind of stupid asking the question. Good to know I’m not alone on this one! I’m not sure if I’d be able to handle the red bull though, not only is the taste barf worthy, I just find I get waayy too jittery.
i use red bull and the key to not getting too jittery is to sip gradual ins tread of chugging. But as many people have said, coke and pepsi are both fine as well
You know, I have been using coke diluted with water for about a year now and have had pretty good luck with it. I have been using it throughout the ride. I have not tried holding off until the last hour of the ride to start with the coke but I might give that a shot.
I do get a lot of strange looks when people see me getting ready to head out. They are mostly confused as to why someone going on a 50 mile bike ride would do something as un-healthy as drinking cola along the way? That always starts a fun conversation but I digress. You are not alone with your cola usage. I do it too but I think we are in the minority.
I go with flat Mountain Dew on the last 30 minutes of a HIM bike and last hour of an IM bike. I see the benefits of both caffeine as well as the sugar, which is easy for your body to convert to fuel.
