How to eat on the bike?

Question

When I ride with group in the city, there are enough long red light stops for me to grab my snack and little bites here and there to keep my energy up. At those bike rallies, I don't want to stop for my snack, and waiting to eat at the break stops is just not enough (I have constantly struggled after the 45 miles mark and I know I didn't push too hard. I need to eat regularly on the bike and I just don't know how. I can't ride with my both hands off the handlebar. Is that the problem?

Update:

Bob,

I need something that's easy open. I carry energy bars but I can't get the package open without stopping. :(

Wisconsin Bison · Accepted Answer

Sport gels (GU, CLIF Shot) come in foil packets where you rip the end off with your teeth and squeeze out the GU, which has the consistency of canned frosting. If you have a problem opening the energy bars while riding, open them before the ride but leave them in their wrappers so they don't spoil your clothes. [Also I assume accessing your food isn't a problem, that you either are wearing a bike jersey or have a handlebar bag to hold the stuff.]

Mick Ross · Answer

pre-rip your energy bars before the ride.  Also, the gu packets are generally easy to open and eat quickly while on the bike.  Make sure that your water bottles are filled with some sort of energy drink rather than plain water.  It's free carbs.  However, as you practice eating on the bike, make sure you go to the back of the pack.  Nobody likes to wipe out because you can't hold your line while opening a clif bar.

Soccerreftoo · Answer

White

We all struggle a little with eating on the bike..... I tend to use my teeth to rip into everything just to piss off my wife. But with your energy bars pre cut the packages. You can also break up big pieces into bite size pieces, then eat them out of a baggie in your jersey pocket.

I like Bit O;Honey. I take the whole bars, peel of the paper, and then take the individual pieces and stick them on my top bar. They stick easily. You can just reach down and peel them off on handed. That particular treat has worked for me for decades.

Soccerref

Anonymous · Answer

I carry a bunch of Good & Plenty in my jersey pocket and eat a few of them every couple of miles.  They only contain sugar and carbs and I love the taste.  A few at a time will keep your energy at a constant level.  I can do 75 miles on an apple, banana and 6 oz box of G&P.

Edit:
Open the box before you put it your pocket or put it in a baggy.

Anonymous · Answer

riding with one hand is easier if you first place both hands near the stem
then take one off

also you can start riding with no hands by just lifting them  but keep close in case you lose your nerve
gradually you will get more confident

watch for bumps etc

be going over about 10 mph, it;s way easier the faster you go

wle

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How to eat on the bike?

5 Answers