good time, and food to eat before excercise

I like to ride my bike after work. I like to ride at a somewhat spirited pace. I always come home from work way to hungry to ride, and always end up getting sick during my ride from previously consumed foods.
What kind of foods will not weigh heavy on me while I am out there? I have tried energy gels in the past and they made me super hyperactive and they don't do much for the stomach. I was also wondering how long I should wait after eating before I ride. I need to get out there ASAP because I ride with some guys and they will have to wait for me.

Post suggestions and what you have done to remedy this problem.

bring some food to work to eat about 2 hours before your ride. Try and make it have a lot of protein and carbs. Although carb loading does not work at all, having some in your system for easy access does certainly help. Maybe a small sub sandwich? also, be sure to drink some fluids along with it to adequately hydrate yourself

bring some food to work to eat about 2 hours before your ride. Try and make it have a lot of protein and carbs. Although carb loading does not work at all, having some in your system for easy access does certainly help. Maybe a small sub sandwich? also, be sure to drink some fluids along with it to adequately hydrate yourself

I agree with all of what he said. When you start feeling hungry during a ride, just eat a little bit of something that's not too heavy so you don't get sick, but not too light either so you're not still hungry. Don't eat energy gels either, they do nothing for hunger, they just give you energy when you start tiring. I've almost got my bike. I'm looking at either a higher end Bianchi or Giant. I'm also considering this (http://www.supergo.com/profile.cfm?LPROD_ID=23325&lsubcat_id=7631&lcat_id=7605&referpage=) frame and a high end set of Shimano or Campy components. But until I get one of them, I'm going to the velodrome a couple days a week to train.

I like bianchi and giant, I would probably get a better frame if you are building one yourself. Believe me, you will notice a bigger difference from the frame than the components. I have all Dura-ace and Don't really notice that big of a difference than my old RSX(total crap shimano). The only really big difference with the dura-ace is the lack of flex in the crank and derailers(sp)

thanks for the suggestions guys. My problem with the two hour thing is that I get lethargic after eating. So, I don't end up riding at all. So, I need to eat something that is fairly light(so I don't get lethargic) but will stick with me for a few hours(so I can make a sixty mile ride).

Any suggestions on particular foods?

i need a riding partner! mine is out on tour with his band. sorry.

a good question you got there. protein is not that necessary before a ride, but before any physical activity i have atleast one scoop of whey protein out of habit.
simple carbs are absolutely necessary. as stated earlier in previous threads i really dont care if you eat a candy bar. i try to eat fruits: banana, kiwi, strawberry. i also blend them together with OJ and store it in a container so i can have it right before or right when i am leaving work.
45min-1 hour is perfect to consume these simple carbs before strenuous physical activity. because they absorb quickly-especially because they are mostly water. also, if you blend them, you can pretty much have them 20-30 minutes before a ride. i would still do about 45. stay away from fats.

if you like the sandwhich idea; this is the only time i would suggest white bread over a complex carb based bread. then again, do what i suggest and you will be able to train longer and harder.

i wonder where we get our energy from. which kinds of foods? thats right. take my advice.

thanks, I will have to try the Oj and fruit blended. It is really hard to get fruit when you live in wyoming I don't usually go to the store since I am living with my parents for the summer. Guess I will have to make an effort. I have another problem, OJ gives me Acid reflux city when I exercise after drinking it. I literally can't have it four or so hours before riding. Any suggestions about neutralizing the acid without chewing antacid tablets. I am usually ok, but OJ and Juices high in natural(grape juice) and added(gatorade) sugars do not go over well Before rides. So I will usually drink them after.

huh. strawberries actually have a higher content of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) than OJ. i dont know what to tell you, except for that they affect me as well. in time you will adjust.

or eat a snickers.

grabbing a Snickers sounds like a good Idea....No more unfortunate side effects of hunger

2 bananas :)

I go for an apple or granola bar and WAY too much water...let me tell you, that gives you energy like no other...Now, I don't ride bikes but i do run and it helps my stomach not to hurt, but then again, that's just me.

If I had an apple before a ride, It would definately be on its way back up within an hour. The sugar content is just too high.