I finally got the chance to hit the roads for my first outdoor ride of the year. And boy, did I learn some valuable lessons!

The weather forecast promised sunshine and warmth, so I decided to join my friends Simon and Marcella for a spin with the Avanti cycling club.

Now, if you haven't heard of Avanti, they're a fantastic group with riders of all levels. There's always someone to match your pace, whether you're looking for a leisurely roll or a challenging push.

I set off at the crack of dawn, pedaling 8 miles to meet my friends before our main ride. It's a great way to get some extra miles in, right?

But here's where things got interesting...

As I arrived at Simon's house, I realized I'd made a rookie mistake.

Shorts and a winter jacket? Check. Open-finger gloves? Not so smart. The chill was biting, and I was definitely underdressed.

Thankfully, Simon came to the rescue with a gilet and proper gloves. Crisis averted!

We met up with the Avanti group and set off towards the beautiful Kent countryside. But as we rode, something caught my eye.

Can you guess what it was?

So many riders were carrying just one water bottle. One! For a planned 100km ride!

Imagine trying to power through a ride without giving your body the fuel it needs. It just doesn't work, does it?

Proper fueling is crucial for performance and enjoyment on long rides. I had two 750ml bottles and two energy bars, aiming for 250-300 grams of carbs over my 80-mile, 4.5-hour ride.

But the real problem with underfueling is that it affects your performance.

When you don't fuel properly, you're literally leaving watts on the table. Your cycling performance suffers, and you're more likely to overeat when you get home.

So those weight loss goals? They take a hit too.

Well, the solution is simple. Aim for 60-90 grams of carbs per hour when riding.

And always, always pack more than you think you'll need.

Remember, it's better to have it and not need it than to bonk halfway through your ride.

But fueling isn't just about the ride itself. It's about creating sustainable habits that support your cycling goals both on and off the bike. Weight loss doesn't happen in the saddle - it's the result of consistent, healthy habits in your everyday life.

Are you ready to take your cycling performance to the next level? Do you want to ride stronger, go further, and yes, even get leaner in the process? Then it's time to fuel smarter.

I've put together a free "Eat to Ride" guide that breaks down everything you need to know about proper fueling for cyclists. It's packed with practical tips, easy-to-follow strategies, and even some of my favorite recipes for ride-day nutrition.

Don't leave those watts on the table any longer. Grab your free "Eat to Ride" guide now and start fueling for success.

Your legs (and your PRs) will thank you!

Ready to ride stronger and be leaner?

Click here to get your free guide now!

Neil

P.S. Remember, proper fueling is the key to unlocking your cycling potential.

Don't wait - get your free "Eat to Ride" guide today and start seeing the difference on your very next ride!