Tips What to Eat or not to Eat before the Big Bike Race or Long Ride

In the days before a big bike race or a long ride it is essential to eat and hydrate suitably. But there is more that is important than just what you eat that will help you have success in the upcoming event. The three critical factors that come into play are: what you eat, when you eat and how much you eat. Here is eating and hydrating suggestion toward before a great race or ride that should assist you have a successful excursion.

First, it should be noted that there are lots of thought about what you should and shouldn't eat before a race. What you are about to read are best method. When it comes down to it nobody knows yourself better than you do. Think this method and then listen to your body and do what it tells you.

1. Three or even four days before the big day begin to really hydrate your body. You want to make sure you are drinking plenty of water this whole time. Don't overdo it, but consume enough water so that your urine is light color or even clear.

The single biggest factor that could hinder your performance is being dehydrated. Did you know that losing as little as 1% of your body weight in fluid can reduce your performance by as much as 10%? But you have total control of this. Just drink plenty of fluids without overdoing it.

2. There is a lot of talk about eating a big carbohydrate meal the night before a race. That will simply leave you feeling bloated. I propose that is better done two nights before a race. The night before the race eat a light "carb" meal say of pasta, brown rice, a green vegetable, fish or chicken. Don't gorge yourself; eat until you are just about full. You body will actually be full at that point. You basically want a meal that is easily digested. This meal should be finished a minimum of 12 hours before the race.

3. The morning of the race-this is very important. Eat a good breakfast and make sure you are completely finished at least two to three hours before the race. You want the meal to be digested and leave your stomach by race time. As far as what to eat, some athletes have a blended liquid breakfast. They feel this help in the need to hydrate and digest faster. Others will eat foods high in carbohydrates like oatmeal, whole grain bread toast with peanut butter, bagels, and waffles. Stick away from protein foods like meat or eggs-they do not digest very fast. Also, no white bread or sugared cereal-the sugar will give you a fast encourage of energy and then you will fall off just as quick.

4. If you get hungry before the race have a quick energy bar. Be definite to keep drinking water or a sports drink with electrolytes in small amounts all the way up to race time.

Every cyclist need to have a superior bike rack. There is lots of up-to-date design in bike racks now.