Hi Guys,

I am new to this board and pretty new to road cycling too. I have had many years of off road cycling experience, however, the only real riding I did was from one jump to the next. Over the last few months I have started "proper" riding and bought a Bianchi C2C road bike a couple of weeks ago. I am loving cycling on the road and have started riding to work which is a 24 mile round commute. I tend to average 45 minutes for the 12 miles each way which I am pretty happy with but would obviously like to get that down as I ride more.

Anyway...the real reason I am posting is to get a bit advice on food to eat before/after riding. I often won't eat anything in the morning before I ride as I have heard this is a good way to burn fat (one of the major reasons I am cycling more). In the evening, however, I often don't finish work until 8 so wont get back home until 8.50ish and by the time I have had a shower I just want something quick and easy to boost the energy levels. This leads me to toast and a bag of crisps, beans on toast or perhaps a curry that I have made the night before - not the greatest of meals after a ride! So, what would you recommend...? It ideally needs to be something quick and easy or something that I can prepare beforehand. Alternatively, is it better to have something at work before I leave?

Well, after that huge post I await your reply...

Thanks!