[BobCochran]

@hozn 147060 wrote:

I stopped checking chain wear since it didn’t matter — just run until it skips — BUT for my next road bike config, I am probably going to start measuring and changing chains in short intervals since I am looking at more expensive ($160-180) cassettes…

More expensive cassettes? What does a more expensive cassette give you over a cheaper one? (Asked for my own education, I need to learn.)

[BobCochran]

Thanks, Harry! I will get his book. Your mention of the rice recipe recalls the morning a fellow rider unwrapped some rice cakes he had made and shared them around with the group before we rode. Delicious! I’ve never forgotten. And thanks for easing my fears about food spoilage.

Bob

[BobCochran]

@Harry Meatmotor 147107 wrote:

What milage/duration?

100+ kilometers (62+ miles). I need to start training to those, at least for hill work. A big part of that is making myself eat during the ride.

[BobCochran]

Today, I added uncooked oatmeal and ground flax to the maltodextrin. This can be prepackaged dry and just mixed with water or milk at a rest stop. Interesting taste: the oatmeal and flax dominates. Nice and filling, and no tummy upset, at least for me.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]12537[/ATTACH]

This can also be eaten with cocoa powder added.

[BobCochran]

Would being more adventurous with a “mix” cause me a tummy upset?

[ATTACH=CONFIG]12535[/ATTACH]

Honeycrisp apple, a full measure of maltodextrin, and tap water added till I had a kind of syrup. To make this on a trip, I’d have to stop to prepare it. Materials would weigh a lot. But it tastes good! So filling too. Prep time about 5 minutes, if that. Happy tummy.

[BobCochran]

@americancyclo 146984 wrote:

What types of rides are you recovering from?

Hi, my interest is in in-ride nutrition, to help keep me going on very long rides. Without paying dearly for “recovery mix” that turns out to be cane sugar placed in a very pretty bag.

Bob

[BobCochran]

I don’t understand why these pants don’t come in a rainbow of high-visibility colors so that motorists will notice the wearer. The strips on the leg bottoms look like they are lit with LEDs, meaning a power source is needed, instead of reflective tape. I’m neutral on that point. Pants will be hard to get on in bad weather conditions. I don’t see enough here to really get excited about.

Bob

[BobCochran]

Today’s post-ride drink. One full measure of the maltodextrin plus 1 teaspoon of non-Dutched cocoa powder. Add in half a cup of fat-free organic milk. Mix well with spoon. Very nice.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]12533[/ATTACH]

So far, no tummy upsets for me.

Tomorrow: something a little more adventurous.

[BobCochran]

@TwoWheelsDC 146932 wrote:

I think your plan backfired. Best to just let it go and keep riding.

Yeah, I agree.

[BobCochran]

I totally agree that you should try out a bunch of brand new bicycles before making any purchase decision. I also agree with the suggestion by KLizzotte that you should ride each test bike up a hill and see how you feel about that. Bicycling up Erie Street made me realize that a given test bike was not quite right for me. (Not that I know anything about climbing, grin.)

Bob

[BobCochran]

@Emm 146824 wrote:

As KLizotte said: DOES IT FIT? That’s the most important part. if you’re not sure, head to a bike shop that sells Bianchi bikes and see what size they think is right for you, and test ride a few. Once you know that, you can tell pretty quick if this is the right bike size. This is non-negotiable. A bike is useless if it doesn’t fit right.[/LIST]

This is very good advice. Why not go to a couple of Bianchi dealers and test-ride different bicycles? I test rode a bunch of bicycles before buying my most recent one, a Jamis model, and the great people at Proteus ordered it for me. How the bike fits is truly important. You can also get a handle on the different models and capabilities of other bicycles. Emm made other great suggestions too.

Bob

[BobCochran]

I meant to say, please comment all you want, make your own additions, etc, etc, etc. This is not “my” thread at all. I welcome comments of all kinds.

Bob

[BobCochran]

Thanks so much everyone! I feel rather like Tania and Kitty do: if I don’t eat on a long ride, I will not do well. I’ve had that reality kicked into me my last 2 long rides. I definitely was not eating enough and I was rapidly wilting. I need to experiment and organize a feeding schedule/feeding regimen that works for me.

So far no one has mentioned buying freeze-dried meals like chicken and rice in those sealed baggies. Of course they require carrying water and one needs some way to boil the water. And the freeze dried meal options seem really high in sodium. Perhaps they are a good idea?

I really appreciate all the viewpoints. Now if only I can organize better and discipline myself into buying foods and actually eating them at the right time, in the right amounts.

Bob

[BobCochran]

Thanks everyone! I so appreciate the many viewpoints!

Bob

[BobCochran]

The National Hurricane Center’s projection maps for where Hurricane Mathew might go certainly bear close study.

Bob

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