In part two of our nutrition series local endurance athlete, Lisa Welch, gives us another great Tip on what kind of fuel your body needs for a long ride. I think it

is important to make the point that food and water are crucial to maintaining a good alertness level, not so much for casual riding but, for the one in a million thing that surprises you and requires you to be 100% on top of your game; an active brain burns food that needs to be replenished. Here is what Lisa has to say on the subject...

Besides hydration, another valuable consideration is proper nutrition. On long rides where storage space and weight are an issue, energy bars like Balance Bar, Cliff Bar, etc. offer a good mix of carbohydrates and proteins to sustain your mental and muscle energy in between meal stops, take up very little space and can easily be stuffed in a pocket for easy access. Getting the right fuel for your body is important because low blood sugar will lead to loss of concentration and muscle coordination.

See Gatorade Sports Science Institute website for more information: http://www.gssiweb.org

Blake