I commute to work (32 miles each way) several days each week. Normally, I have no problems whatsoever, but in recent weeks on occasion (after the morning ride in particular) I experience extreme gastrointestinal discomfort all day. Symptoms include gas, mild stomach discomfort, etc . . . Diet has not changed, and my level of fitness is high. I do several shorter training rides each week as well, and I never have this problem on shorter more intense training rides. But, those 30 plus mile rides sometimes leave me very uncomfortable. This morning I ate a bowl of cereal and ate a power bar prior to riding -- just as I generally do prior to both commute and training rides. Then, on the ride itself I drank two water bottles filled with Gatoraide. This diet typically is just fine. Leads me to think something else might be the cause? 😕
I had similar problems when i rode long distances. Have managed to isolate it to the strength of the Gatoraide/Powerade solution I was drinking. I found it helped if the solution was weaker than what the manufacturer recommended. So now I buy the powdered version and make it myself to my requirements. I still find it gives me the required fluids and it's not as sweet.
I realise this is a very individual thing but that worked for me.
I had similar problems when i rode long distances. Have managed to isolate it to the strength of the Gatoraide/Powerade solution I was drinking. I found it helped if the solution was weaker than what the manufacturer recommended. So now I buy the powdered version and make it myself to my requirements. I still find it gives me the required fluids and it's not as sweet.
I realise this is a very individual thing but that worked for me.
Thank you kindly for the suggestion. After reading your post, I recall having similar symptoms 60 or so miles into a century. By that point I had consumed at least 3 bottles of Gatorade, as it was a rather hot day. My stomach was tied in knots. It's a good suggestion. I use the powdered drink mix anyway. I'll try one fewer scoops.
