Andrew_C
Reged: 30/06/2008
Posts: 10
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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! 
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scm
Reged: 24/06/2006
Posts: 1232
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You need some carbs to burn fat so riding on "empty" is a Bad Idea, as your body has to get the carbs from somewhere and it'll take them from the easiest place, which is the muscles you're trying to improve. At least have some orange juice before your ride to top up your sugar levels.
Not sure about food recommendations, but I would advise against eating late in the evening if you're trying to lose weight, I believe that any food that's undigested when you go to sleep is readily laid down as fat. Better to spread your food intake during the day so you maintain a more constant fueling level - this may take some organising, but it'll pay dividends in the long run!
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Sly
Reged: 07/02/2008
Posts: 730
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Hi and welcome to the forum.
Although your rides are long for a commute (about double mine), they're not particularly long rides in the scheme of things, so you'll probably get away without needing to cram to much food down bfor brekky - maybe some porridge and an energy drink en route?
Wow, you get back home late! As mentioned above, eating late at night is not supposed to be very beneficial if you're trying to lose weight (especially carbs, which is what you should be eating to give you energy for your riding). I'm no expert but I'd guess you'd be better off eating a big carby late lunch, (or afternoon tea!) and then having a very light snack when you get home.
Good luck with the "proper" riding!!
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tonybv9
Reged: 08/10/2007
Posts: 531
Loc: Craggy Island
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Welcome to the forum. As Sly said, your commute is not too long, so a light breakfast would do you. A banana or two perhaps. Dried fruit is good - apricots. Try to eat a bagel or sandwich or cereal etc. mid morning, a decent lunch, and then I would definitely eat around 6-7 if possible, to fuel you up for the ride home. Try to avoid the crisps if you fancy a snack when you get home. If you get home tired and hungry, it's easy to just grab the wrong kind of food.
Keep it up.
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Andrew_C
Reged: 30/06/2008
Posts: 10
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Thanks for the help, they sound like sensible suggestions and definately things that I can put into practice.
I work in technical support for a software company so I often work late to support the US market so my mealtimes are a bit strange sometimes. I am now starting to try and eat at more sensible times and will try and implement your suggestions. It seems that the general consensus is to eat before and then only if needed have a snack at home.
Thanks again!
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andy1
Reged: 10/08/2008
Posts: 8
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hi mate, i am a fellow bianchi coast2coast rider so i feel i should tell you what i do regarding pre and post cycling nutrition.i never ride within the hour of food intake (to avoid cramps ets) pre rides i find pasta ,tuna,sweetcorn with a little low fat mayo or salad cream is like putting v power petrol in your tank.after a ride i tend to treat it the same as i do after lifting weights,i drink a meal replacement drink (eas myoplex to be exact) asap from leaving the saddle.beleive me unless your metabolic rate is mega slow.commuting the distance you do,its innevatabe (check spelling) thet you will lose weight.enjoy buddy,safe and happy cycling!!!!!!!!! 
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