What are some good foods for an long bike ride?

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John

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I am planning a long bike trip from denver to los angeles this summer and am planning on bringing as much food as possible with. I will need a lot of calories, something light weight, something cheap, and something that doesn't spoil. I was thinking just a ton of trail mix with nuts and dried fruits but cant think of much else. Thanks for your help.
 
energy bars, jerky/tofu jerky, bananas (though they might turn brown, but are still really good for you), nuts, sunflower seeds, dried/fresh fruit and veggies, peanutbutter, sesame sticks (my favorite snack for hikes/bike rides)... Have fun!
 
Granola. I don't know if you would be able to bring orange slices (good). Don't forget WATER...but you already knew that.
Have fun!

Edit: OMG I didn't realize DENVER to LA. Wow, that is going to be a beautiful ride; you'll love it.
 
Salted nuts and dried fruit are good - salted so you replace what you sweat out. When I hike I always bring pita bread for easily transportable carbs. Jerky always works if you eat meat, and hard cheeses transport well.
 
I doubt any of the people answering above me have ever been on a ride of such distance. Trail mix is a snack not a meal. If you will be camping you will need to bring a compact camp stove and canned or dry meals. Boil water and make pasta. Eat plastic packaged tuna and salmon for protein. Peanut butter. Pick up fresh fruit at stops.

Other than that bring money and eat a big breakfast at IHOP or some such. A trip like you are planning burns a ton of calories, and if you don't replace them your body will cannibalize your muscle tissue. Talk to cross country riders or read their blogs. Most eat eggs, bacon, pancakes, bananas, potatoes, orange juice, and coffee -- just for breakfast.

The direct route is 903 miles and by bike it will be longer. If you are lucky and totally bicycle fit that is a two week trip. Some mountain pass climbs can be one day alone, therefore the possibility of being closer to 3 weeks possible. Always carry what you will consume in 2 days, and replenish as you deplete. I would suggest training rides with weighted panniers on your bike (like 60 lbs if you are camping). If you haven't started training -- get going. You will need 2000 training miles to make this trip.
 
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