Hi,
In the end to end cycle race off road self sufficient carry all food. dry food was used and rehydrated en route.
Need hot water.
https://www.nutritionadvance.com/high-c ... ng-weight/Scott's team was undereating by 50%.
On one of my endurance 24 hr rides I ate over 250 grams of fat amongst other things.
But a balanced diet is probably better that fad stuff (one energy type).
On one 12 hr ride I found out that I needed to eat after about 30 minutes on the bike to maintain energy levels, previously I waited 60 mins.
I was eating on the bike without stopping for about 4hrs 15 min, 75 miles but then had to stop and eat fast for ten minutes to carry on, at 100 miles in a little over six hours, wasn't as hungry and energy levels were up again.
I found that if I ate well on the bike then my energy and performance was same at 12 hrs as when I started.
Its hard to meter food if you dont stop and eat, the pro's meter carb loaded drinks and plan how much (team) they will need and when in the race.
After 12 hrs I normally find my appetite's disappeared, if you then don't force feed till the point of regurgitating later, energy drops off again.
Probably easier to stop every 2.5 - 3 hrs and feed up if you are planning to move fast or over tough terrain.
Most fall asleep after 20 hrs awake but you can extend this if you have a 20 minute power nap after 12 hrs or so.
I once took 5 kgs of packed lunches on a week end tour and had to eat to keep going every 2.5 - 3 hrs. not much left on first day, 35 kgs and average 7 mph for 120 miles.
High power normally means high H Rate............also at a high cadence, normally above 80% of my max HR I can only maintain for about 3 hrs max without food.
Lower power means that if you lower your cadence say from 85-90 to 70-65 you will be more fat relient.
That's why if you walk long distances with a sack on back you can maintain motion with little food intake, and your body eats itself.
Technically its thought possible to maintain aerobic exercise indefinitely if you maintain enough energy consumption, 70 % of max HR.
On one day ride I did 16 - 18 hours in the saddle at 73% of max HR.
If you have no support then it gets rather hard to maintain constant motion, I think ultra cyclist consume much carb loaded fluid, easy to consume.
Just try eating and riding without stopping except for water.
Other than a support crew you will probably have to carry solid food, carbs are hard to get down as solid especially when you are riding and breathing hard.
Best advice is bread stuffed with fat and protein, then add some nuts jelly beans rice cakes with peanut butter, flap jacks and anything else that takes your fancie, pastries etc.
This is just my experience.