Last year I rode my first 5 of 6 brevets including the whole Super Randonneer series using Gatorade, bananas, granola, and energy bars. I found it challenging to maintain a consistently high pace on this diet because while riding hard, I either didn't want to eat or couldn't eat without stomach upset.

The result was energy fluctuations ranging from high/good to near bonking. This was especially true on last year's 400k in Gainesville, FL. I felt really drained from 150 to 200 miles. After two long 20-minute control stops where I ate a banana and energy bars, I started feeling better and rode strong on the last 30 miles.

The bottom line is there are two incompatibilities of this diet with my style of riding. 1) I have to stop to ingest meaningful amounts of calories, and 2) I have to ride slower after eating to avoid stomach upset.

This year I am using Perpetuem from Hammer Nutrition at a rate of 1.25 to 1.5 scoops per hour for all rides longer than 70 miles. It is simply mixed in a water bottle at the desired concentration. On my last 3 brevets I found my energy level higher and more consistent. Now every time I drink I am getting complex carbohydrates, protein and other nutrients. I ride faster because I don't have to stop to eat, I don't have to ride slow after eating, and I avoid performance robbing energy dips.

I am still experimenting with the dosage. Hammer recommends 2 scoops per hour for riders my size (155 to 190 lbs). I'll try this higher rate on the 400k this March.