Race Foods

[Grant Bond]

Matts post over in Conversation made me think of possible race day snacks, i have had many a debate over this one, so let us know which you prefer.

[fixedgear]

For long road races and Audax rides I often use/carry PowerBars.

For the fixie century, it'll probably be a meat pie or sausage roll at the Bargo shop though........

[matt]

Is there anything that cabbage leaves CAN'T do?

I'm partial to high protein energy bars myself for anything over a few hours

[T-Bone]

Where's the option for Energy Gels, or Energy Bars??? I guess i'll have to decide between Gummi bears, and Snakes, since i usually have a combination of bars, gels, and lollies.

[weiyun]

What's the name of that special sandwich they have on the European circuit? I understand that they are lightly toasted sandwiches and is popular with many pro riders.

[lindsay]

I voted for the orange because it crossed the road connected to the foot of the chicken which also crossed the road but was eventually made into a chicken sandwich.

[Huw]

After the Grafton, I will never carry Powerbars for racing ever again. I found that gnawing doggedly through those suckers was just such a chore, adding to the stress levels of an already taxing ride. Also, combine a mouthful of half-chewed gunk with such high-intensity riding, and you've got a recipe for choking. I got so pissed off, I spat a mouthful of half-chewed brown chocolate tedium out onto the roadside. From then on, the rest that I picked up in my musettes I immediately sorted and threw to little kiddies along the feeding zones.

I like bananas, even more for the fact that you can toss the skin and it will degrade harmlessly, more or less.

Gels are good. I particularly like caffeinated gels, which can lift your spirits immensely. But perhaps I have a too-high requirement for caffeine?

A visit to the inserts-for-kids'-lunchboxes section of the supermarket yields a wide array of easily-chewed, high-energy snacks perfect as race food. Also, to appear healthy for their target market, they're often laced with vitamins and minerals.

One other thing. If you're gonna use wrapped food, look for wrappers that have crinkle-cut, zig-zag finished ends. These are lots easier to open. I've had bad experiences trying to open straight-cut wrappers with just one hand and a set of teeth. Alternatively, pre-open any straight-ended wrappers.

[weiyun]

Yeah, kiddo food section is good for ride snacks. Alternatively, just straight dark Swiss chocolate and wash it down with water.

BTW, did you guys know that chocolate (cocoa based) is a good source of Mg?

[matt]

I am deeply disturbed by your post Huw, powerbars are the only time i can eat things called "Cookies and Cream" and "Triple choc Fudge Brownie" and feel no guilt. After three hours of suffering i can lean over on one hand and munch on a big chewy chocolate bar and feel like a sportsman, that is if i haven't smashed my teeth getting the thing open. Kiddy snack are too small, bananas go squishy and caffiene gel gives me axiety attacks.

BTW, Have you seen these?

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/BANANA-GUARD-NO- ... dZViewItem

[T-Bone]

I prefer SIS Go bars to powerbars these days. Much easier to eat, though i only had an issue with powerbars when it was cold, as warm temperatures seem to soften them up enough.

[Huw]

caffiene gel gives me axiety attacks

Oh right, unlike the double-shot latte followed by the espresso you drank on Sunday morning?

I'll eat Powerbars, just not in a race - waaayyyy too much hassle then. But if I've got time to savour their delicate flavour and is-this-heaven? texture (not to mention the hurts-so-good jaw cramps), I'll happily invest the minutes required to ingest one of these babies. Like on the Fixie Century perhaps??

[matt]

Now youre talkin! I reckon triple mocha choc powerbars wrapped in cabbage leaves should be compulsory on sunday, washed down with magnesium laced machiatos.

and now that you mention it, I think youre right, the axiety attacks must be when i eat caffiene gels AFTER the three shots of coffee at bobos.

[mikesbytes]

Anything that contains sugar before or during the race.

Protein after the race.

[FAswad]

In my back pockets are bananas and power gels. thats it.

[FAswad]

CABBAGE LEAF ON MY HEAD during that TTT. why didn't i remember that, damnit

[T-Bone]

they would probably have said something about the cabbage leaf not having the australian standards sticker on it.....