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CYCLING PERFORMANCE TIPS

Latest update:6/12/2023

Recovery

Ask a cyclist about their training program and they will discuss mileages, their interval schedule, and share nutritional secrets. But only rarely do they mention recovery. Yet adequate recovery time is as important as intervals and weekly mileage to optimize riding performance.

Improvement is the result of repetitive cycles of stress and recovery. Stress your muscles in the gym with progressively greater weights and you get stronger. Stress the cardiovascular system with intervals, your VO2max increases. Most riders focus on the stress, but to maximize the benefits, you need to assure that recovery, to allow the muscles and cardiovascular system time to repair and build tissue, is not shortchanged.

This blog postsummarizes the importance of recovery in a training program. And it points out that recovery is not just rest but also nutrition to provide the raw materials (glucose, amino acids) for tissue repair.

Optimizing recovery is particularly important after the stresses of an interval training day, a long endurance ride (century), or on a multiday tour.

Recovery has three components - the three R's

refueling
rebuilding
and rehydrating.

Recovery actually begins during a ride, as you aim for 30 to 60 grams of carbs/hour to minimize the risk of complete glycogen repletion, and drink 12 to 20 fluid ounces/hour to minimize dehydration.

I. NUTRITION (REFUELING)

Refueling is essential for

muscle repair (protein)
and glycogen repletion (carbohydrates) - to minimize the risks of
- an early bonk on your next ride
- as well as risking the chronic glycogen depletion which can part of the more severe fatigue of overreaching.

To Review:

Carbohydrates, from a pre ride meal as well as muscle glycogen, are the primary energy source for a cyclist's muscles on a ride of moderate (or greater) intensity.
Fats are more important in slower, endurance events.
Protein is not an energy source (except in malnutrition), although it is necessary to maintain and repair muscle cells and connective tissue.

The "bonk" occurs when the body's stores of glycogen in the liver and muscles are depleted and the exercising muscle has to shift to less effective fat metabolism as its primary energy source. But after multiple riding days (a week long tour for example) failure to adequately replace muscle glycogen after each days ride can lead to the more severe fatigue of overreaching. This type of fatigue is a particular risk at the elite athlete level with multiple training sessions (or competitions) per day and limited time to eat as well as on multiday recreational bike tours.

a) Carbohydrates

It is important to maximize your total body glycogen stores by using dietary carbohydrates to your advantage - before, during, as well as after a ride. Ensuring maximal repletion of glycogen on multi day rides starts even before you get on the bike.

BEFORE - eating a high carbohydrate diet in the days and hours before your ride
For the pre ride period, the traditional carbohydrate loading program (which traditionally includes a carbohydrate depletion phase for several days followed by forcing carbohydrates for the 3 days immediately prior to the event)to maximize glycogen stores) is not essential. A high carbohydrate diet alone (without a preceding carbohydrate depletion phase) will provide 90% of the benefits of the full program while avoiding the digestive turmoil that can occur during the carbohydrate depletion phase. {NOTE: Although any increase in glycogen stores WILL increase the DURATION of exercise to fatigue, they WILL NOT increase MAXIMUM PERFORMANCE (VO2max)}
DURING - eating carbohydrate supplements while riding.
Maximizing carbohydrate replacement while riding is important for events of more than 2 hours. At least 1 to 2 grams of carbohydrate per minute can be absorbed and metabolized to supplement pre ride body glycogen stores. This additional carbohydrate fuel will prolong the time to the bonk. In extreme events such as the Tour de France, as much as 50% of the daily energy expenditures can be provided by supplements taken while on the bike.
AFTER - taking advantage of the increased glycogen synthetic rate 2 to 4 hours post ride to begin rebuilding glycogen stores.
Finally, take advantage of the glycogen repletion window that facilitates muscle glycogen repletion in the 4 hours immediately following vigorous exercise. During this time, any carbohydrates you eat are converted into muscle glycogen at up to 3 times the normal rate. And this window of opportunity closes fairly quickly as some data suggests there is a 50% fall in this super charged repletion rate by 2 hours with a return to the normal repletion rate by 4 hours post exercise.(Ivy JL et al,J Appl Physiol 1988 Apr;64(4):1480-5).
This slowing of the glycogen repletion rate occurs even when plasma glucose and insulin levels remain elevated with oral supplements. It has been suggested that the initial elevated replacement rate is insulin independent, while the slowing at 4 hours is a shift back towards the normal insulin dependent muscle cell uptake rate.
After this initial 4 hours surge, muscle glycogen stores are replenished at a rate of approximately 5% per hour.And while it may require up to 48 hours for complete muscle glycogen replacement following a 2 hour ride, for all practical purposes glycogen stores are almost completely rebuilt in the first 24 hours post event. But for the athlete who is on a daily training schedule, or is participating in a multiday event, the glycogen window can be used to get a jump on the normal repletion process and minimize the chance of gradually development of a chronic glycogen depletion state (and the fatigue that goes along with it).
A few additional points to consider in glycogen repletion (post ride recovery drinks):
- How much glucose is enough during this 4 hour interval? In 2018, a detailed review of the physiology and science to date suggested no additional benefit (increase in muscle glycogen replacement) with glucose ingestion rates > 1.2 grams/kg body weight/hour during this 4 hour time interval. And above an upper limit of 10 grams per kg over the post ride 24 hour period.
  For reference, 1.2 grams CHO/kg BW x 4 cal/gm = 4.8 cal/kg BW 4.8 cal/kg BW x 70 kg ~ 350 cal/hour for the average cyclist. Which equates to about 2 cans of a soft drink (almost pure sugar calories) per hour. So a quick starter for your replacement of glycogen (and some hydration as well) would be 2 cans of a soft drink.
- The rate of glycogen repletion is highest in the first 2 hours and then begins to fall off.
- Is more better? Although the rate of CHO incorporation into muscle glycogen storage begins to fall at 2 hours, there is a maximum repletion rate in the range of 1.5 grams of CHO per kg body weight during these first 2 hours post exercise. Thus a strategy of taking all your CHO replacement in the first few hours is not going to work.
- Is the type of carbohydrate important? Glucose and sucrose appear to be of equal value while fructose appears to be utilized more slowly with a lower upper threshold of incorporation and thus is less beneficial.
- Will the addition of protein to a carbohydrate drink facilitate glycogen repletion during this glycogen window (compared to a pure glucose drink alone)? Although it had been originally been suggested in 1992 that the addition of protein to a carbohydrate supplement would enhance the rate of muscle glycogen synthesis after endurance exercise, Roy et al provided evidence that the difference was not protein per se, but the fact that the two drinks were not Calorically equal.
  A study by Van Hall also supported that finding when his group demonstrated the failure of the co-ingestion of carbohydrate and protein, compared with ingestion of carbohydrate alone, to increase leg glucose uptake or glycogen synthesis rate further when carbohydrate was ingested in sufficient amounts every 15 min to induce an optimal rate of glycogen synthesis.
  A review in 2010 re-emphasized the fact that "co-ingestion of protein and/or amino acids does not seem to further increase muscle glycogen synthesis rates when CHO intake exceeds 1.2 g per kg per hr". The author suggested that a protein-CHO mix might be help with glycogen re synthesis ONLY in those rare times that adequate carbohydrates are not available in the immediate post exercise recovery period. They did point out that protein in a recovery drink might provide a benefit in jump starting and maximizing muscle protein synthesis and repair of the injury that can occur with repeated bouts of high intensity exercise, a particular concern if one is intensely training or participating in a multiday event.
  A meta analysis of 26 studies, published in 2014 concluded: "When carbohydrate is delivered at optimal rates during or after endurance exercise, protein supplements appear to have no direct endurance performance enhancing effect." And in addition, they expanded that conclusion to include supplements while riding as well as in the post ride recovery period: "...when carbohydrate supplementation was delivered at optimal rates during or after exercise, protein supplements provided no further ergogenic effect, regardless of the performance metric used."
  And again in 2018 a comprehensive review of the subject of glycogen repletion concluded that it was the Caloric content of the post recovery drink that was important, not whether or not it contained protein. That "....energy intake per se and not macro nutrient composition during recovery influence repeated exercise capacity."
The above articles emphasize a goal for maximum glycogen repletion should be in the range of 350 Calories per hourin the first 4 hours post ride. Glycogen is preferred, protein can substitute for a few of the Calories, and fat has no real value except for taste. So a soft drink or snack that hasa carbohydrate/protein ration of 80/20 would both be fine. Cliff Bar or Fig Newtons - especially for those riders who do not tolerate very sugary drinks - or take a few minutes before you get on the bike and make a simple sandwich.
Are there any other tricks to help with glycogen replenishment? It has been suggested thatcaffeine may boost the glycogen resynthesis rate. The data in the full paperdemonstrated rates of glycogen replenishment post exercise that were, in the authors words.... "to the best of our knowledge, the highest reported for human subjects under physiological conditions." Is this going to be a significant factor in your next day performance if you are careful to maximize your intake of carbohydrates and glucose post exercise, especially in the first hour? Hard to say. But this is one more reason to grab a caffeine containing cola (Coke, Pepsi) when you get off the bike.

b) Protein

Although it is not a direct source of calories for cycling, we found (above) that protein can facilitate the repletion of muscle glycogen. For those interested, this article covers the process in much more detail. To paraphrase: "A greater glycogen storage rate may be due to increased muscle glucose uptake and enhanced signaling (of cell metabolic pathways) made possible by the influx of amino acids. Protein consumption also induces a rise in blood insulin concentration that augments the insulin response to carbohydrate ingestion, increasing the rate of glycogen repletion. However, when ample carbohydrates are ingested, the addition of proteins does not further enhance glycogenesis."

Is there an "anabolic window", a period of time in which post ride protein might facilitate muscle repair?

If this was true, we'd expect to see the effect in resistance training where the goal is to grow muscle cells. This review article makes several points which I feel we can apply to cycling:

evidence-based support for an "anabolic window" is lacking
blood amino acid levels from a meal remain elevated for 4 to 6 hours after eating. Thus it seems wise to avoid more than 4 to 6 hours between a pre and post exercise protein snack or meal.

Their conservative recommendation was 20 - 40 grams of protein in both the immediate pre and post-exercise periodas a fail-safe approach.

A good daily diet, a good meal within a few hours of riding, add on the bike snacks with some protein (Clif bars, etc.), and plan on a good post ride meal and you should have no worries about the need for additional immediate post ride protein.

What about muscle soreness? Will pushing dietary (and post ride) protein minimize this complaint? A literature review in 2014 found little evidence to support a benefit.

BOTTOM LINE - What can we take away from these various studies?

Carbohydrates, ingested at a rate of 1.2 g CHO per kg per hr, enhance post ride muscle glycogen recovery. Eat or drink 3 grams of carbohydrate per kg of body weight over the four hours after exercise,spreading it over the full four hours. This would be approximately 200 Calories per hour for the average rider.
if you want some variety - cannot tolerate another sugary drinks - protein Calories can supplementCHO Calories. Another strategy is the use of complex carbohydrates to increase carbohydrate Calories in a drink that is not as sweet tasting.
The sooner after exercise you begin your nutritional recovery program the better.
It is questionable as to whether protein post exercise has any additional benefit to improve muscle tissue repair and reduce muscle soreness assuming a balanced daily diet. There is no data to support a benefit from eating protein immediately,in this 4 hour time interval, as compared to the entire 24 hours post exercise.

If you don't manage to replace glycogen during the 4 hour window, don't worry. You can also catch up on your muscle glycogen repletion by eating a high carbohydrate diet over the next 24 hours. In other words, these tips on the 4 hour post exercise replacement interval may be of practical significance only to those who are competing with multiple events in a single day OR are riding a stage race with daily rides of multiple hours each.

After the 4 hour window, does it make a difference how one eats their carbohydrate Calories?

Burke LM et al could not show a difference in post exercise glycogen storage over 24 h when a high-carbohydrate diet was eaten as multiple small snacks or as large meals. However there did appear to be some advantage of eating carbohydrates with a high glycemic index.

And it doesn't have to be pure carbs either.

Burkeet al decided to investigate whether the addition of fat and protein to carbohydrate feedings in the 24 hour post exercise period affects muscle glycogen storage. Eight well-trained triathletes undertook an exercise trial followed by equicaloric diets of mainly carbohydrates ora combination of fats, protein, and carbohydrate. There were no differences between diets in muscle glycogen storage over 24 h between equi-Caloric diets of carbohydrate alone (approx 10 grams of CHOper kg body wt per 24 hours and a mixed diet of CHO/Pro/fat.

POST RIDE RECOMMENDATIONS

eat 3 to 4 gm carbohydrate/kg BW in the 4 hours post ride - start immediately
- complex carbohydrates and protein/carbohydrate mixtures may offer some advantage in minimizing GI distress from high concentration simple sugar drinks.
- you can be innovative - several studies have suggested that chocolate milk is as good as a complex carbohydrate drink (but only if you are not lactose intolerant) - and the cost is less than many commercial recovery drinks.
- And a recent study suggests that adding a cup of coffee may provide even more "kick" to your recovery.
you don't need to push beyond 1.5 grams CHO per kg body wt per hour which appears to be an upper limit to muscle glycogen replacement.
a total of 8 to 10 grams of CHO per kg body weight over the 24 hours post exercise to maximize repletion of muscle and liver glycogen.

An ideal postevent meal/heavy snack would be 1.2 to 1.4 grams of carbohydrate/kg body weight (2.6 to 3 grams/pound) and 0.3 grams of protein/kg (0.6 grams/pound). Repeat in a few hours.

REFUELING AFTER EXERCISE - IS MCDONALD'S JUST AS GOOD AS CHOCOLATE MILK?

A recent article suggested that the emphasis on recovery drinks may be overdone, and fast food might be just as good, and tastier to boot. The study examined the effects of isoenergetic sport supplements (SS) versus fast food (FF) on muscle glycogen recovery as well as subsequent exercise performance as assessed by a time trial ride. For those interested in more detail,the link. Does this mean all prior investigations that have studied the nuances of glycogen replacement erred by studying only glucose (and some glucose/protein combinations)? A few thoughts.

First, this study notes that "each trial included a 90-minute glycogen depletion ride..." But all "depletion rides" are not equal when one is studying the rate of muscle glycogen repletion. The intensity of the depletion ride in this study is not indicated in the abstract. I suspect it was just enough to deplete muscle glycogen stores. We know that short term high intensity exercise increases the rate of glycogen repletion compared to less intense levels of exertion. Several factors differ in the post-exercise recovery period after short term, high intensity exercise compared to prolonged, less intense exercise. The extremely fast rate of muscle glycogen re synthesis following short term, high intensity exercise is presumed to be related to these differences.
- First, peak blood glucose levels range from 6.6 to 8.9 mmol/L during recovery from short term, high intensity exercise. This is markedly higher than the blood glucose values of 2 to 3.4 mmol/L after endurance exercise. In response to this elevation in plasma glucose levels, insulin levels increase to approximately 60 microU/ml, a 2-fold increase over resting values. Both glucose and insulin regulate glycogen synthase activity, and higher levels of them improve muscle glycogen synthesis.
- Second, high intensity exercise produces high levels of glycolytic intermediates in muscle, as well as high lactate levels in muscle and blood.
- Third, fast-twitch glycolytic muscle fibers are more heavily used in short term, high intensity exercise. This promotes greater glycogen depletion in the fast-twitch fibers, which have a higher level of glycogen synthase activity than slow-twitch fibers. While the exact contribution of each of these factors is unknown, they may act in combination to stimulate rapid muscle glycogen synthesis rates.
And other depletion/repletion studies such as this example , also include sprints in the depletion ride. "..70 min on a cycle ergometer at 68% VO2max, interrupted by six 2-min intervals at 88% VO2max ..." So the unanswered question (from this fast food abstract) is 90 minutes AT WHAT RIDE INTENSITY?
And interestingly the rate of re synthesis in this paper was lower that has been reported in other studies, again suggesting a slower depletion ride. Current study - "...rates of glycogen recovery were not different across the diets. " How does this compare to rates with other studies that specifically included intense exercise? A bit lower than has been reported. "...re-synthesis after short term, high intensity exercise (15.1 to 33.6 mmol/kg/h) is much higher than glycogen re-synthesis rates following prolonged exercise (approximately 2 mmol/kg/h), even when optimal amounts of oral carbohydrate are supplied (approximately mmol/kg/h)."

My take on this article, and the fast food, more liberal repletion concept? As the intensity of a ride does make a difference in the subsequent rate (per hour) of glycogen replacement, for those who are recreational riders,or doing LSD (long, slow distance) rides, eating french fries for recovery nutrition may be just as helpful as a coke or chocolate milk. But if you are training intensely, especially if sprints or intervals are part of your daily training program, I'd stick with the more tried and true chocolate milk and other high carbohydrate liquids in the immediate post ride 2 hour period. And then head to McDonald's.

II. FLUIDS/HYDRATION (REHYDRATING)

Although water does not provide Caloric energy, adequate hydration is at least as important to good athletic performance as the food you eat. As one of the biggest mistakes of many competitive athletes is failing to replace fluid losses associated with exercise, re-hydration is added as the third item on our recovery checklist. Dehydration is especially a problem in cycling as rapid skin evaporation decreases the sense of perspiring and imparts a false sense of only minimal fluid loss when sweat production and loss through the lungs can easily exceed 2 quarts per hour.

Just as with carbohydrates, it is essential that you start off adequately hydrated (before), begin fluid replacement early, and drink regularly during the ride (during). Total body fluid losses during exercise lead to a diminished plasma volume (the fluid actually circulating within the blood vessels) as well as a lowered muscle water content. As fluid loss progresses, there is a direct effect on physiologic function and athletic performance. An fluid deficit equal to 2% of base line body weight will impact heat regulation, at 3% there is a measurable effect on muscle cell contraction times, and when fluid loss reaches 4% of body weight there is a measurable 5% to 10% drop in performance. In addition, one study demonstrated that this performance effect can persist for 4 hours after re-hydration takes place - emphasizing the need to anticipate and regularly replace fluid losses. Maintaining plasma volume is one of the hidden keys to optimal physical performance.

Although there is controversy as to the effects on performance of developing dehydration while riding, numerous reports suggest that comparisons of two groups of cyclists, one consciously rehydrating, the other not, exercising at 90% of their maximum can demonstrate a measurable difference in physical performance within the first hour of a ride.

Aim for 20 ounces per hour of a replacement drink while on the bike and make sure you adequately rehydrate in the recovery period. This is essential if you are riding daily and want to start off the next day well rehydrated. If there is any question that you drank enough on a ride, weigh yourself. Every pound of weight you lost = 18 - 20 fluid ounces of fluid. And no, it was not fat loss!

But as a word of warning to those who practice the philosophy of "if a little is good, a lot is better"", there are also risks with over correcting the water losses of exercise. There have been reports of hyponatremia (low blood sodium concentration) with seizures in marathon runners who have over replaced sweat losses (salt and water) with pure water. And this risk increases for longer events more than 5 hours). Weighing yourself regularly on long rides will help you tailor YOUR OWN PERSONAL replacement program. A weight gain of more that 1 or 2 pounds will indicate that you are over correcting your water losses and may be placing yourself at risk for this unusual metabolic condition.

How about one of those "high performance" beers"? Is it possible to replace carbs and rehydrate at the same time?

III. RESTING (REBUILDING)

The third component of a good recovery program is adequate rest to allow maximal benefit from the rehydration and nutrition. So assess the level of your post ride fatigue to avoid overstepping the fine line separating normal post exercise fatigue from overtraining. Lack of attention to the level of fatigue after a ride increases the chance of sliding into overtraining and its impact on future performance.

There are four distinct types of fatigue.

The bonk (fatigue resulting from muscle glycogen depletion) which develops 1 to 2 hours into a ride without adequate on the bike glucose supplements. It is a particular risk if the rider starts the ride without a full tank, so to speak, of muscle glycogen.
Post ride fatigue is the normal response to several hours of vigorous exercise. It is part of the normal cycle that will improve performance the next time out.
Over reaching is the fatigue experienced at the end of a particularly hard week of training or riding and is, again, a normal part of the training cycle. But it is a signal that you may need an extra recovery day. And if you find that your performance is not improving with a little extra rest, it's time to consider a break from riding, switching to alternative aerobic activities (at 70% maximum heart rate to maintain cardiovascular fitness). To push ahead is to risk a level of overtraining which may require a month or two off the bike to recover.
Over training is the debilitating and often long term (weeks to months) fatigue which limits rather than stimulates improvement in performance. Recovery often requires a significantly longer break from cycling.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

Calcium?

Endurance cyclists are at increased risk for osteoporosis. It's been suggested that post recovery nutrition include calcium (chocolate milk anyone??).

Cool Down

Do you need to stretch BEFORE exercising and cool down AFTER? I was reminded again of the entrenched idea of a post exercise "cool down" at a spin class last week when the instructor warned us all to be sure to "wash out the lactic acid" before we got off the bike.

As Dr. Mirkin reminds us".... cooling down has not been shown to:

reduce next-day muscle soreness (J Hum Kinet, Dec 2012;35:59-68),
help you to recover faster so you can compete sooner or improve flexibility (J Hum Kinet, March 2012;31:121-9),
improve fitness level,
make you stronger (J Strength Cond Res, Nov 2012;26(11):3081-8), or
prevent injuries.

But it may improve immune function, indirectly helping by limiting interruptions in your training program.

And a cool down may help those who experience lightheaded-ness after competition or strenuous exercise. The reason? A combination of dehydration and a sudden pooling of blood in the legs which together lead to a drop in blood pressure. When your leg muscles contract, they squeeze veins in the nearby tissues and keep blood moving back to the heart. When exercise stops abruptly, the veins near them fill with more of your circulating blood volume and the amount getting back to the heart to pump decreases. Your blood pressure drops and less blood gets to the brain - the result is a feeling of light headedness or even passing out. If this is a problem for you, focus on maintaining hydration while riding, and add a cool down tolet your heart gradually adapt to the lower volume of returning blood.

Stretching (rolling, massage)

On the other hand, a warm up BEFORE you go all out and stretching AFTER a workout do have value.

Recovery ride

Gentle exercise (in zone 2 or lower) can increase blood flow to muscles and speed up recovery. So a short, slow easy ride later in the day or the following day may be helpful.

QUESTIONS

Question: I am a fairly strong Cat 4 rider that wants to move up to Cat 3 and wanted to get some feedback on whether or not I should pursue a protein/carbohydrate recovery drink mix like Endurox R4/Acceleradeto help aid recovery and restore my glycogen levels. Up until this point I've just tried to maintain a balanced diet but as with most Americans, don't always get the best-balanced nutrition after a ride. I'm sure you're aware of the claims being made by the various supplement manufacturers of how it can increase performance but I wanted to get your take on it. I've also found a great website, nutritional data.com that I think might help me choose the diet best suited for a recovery meal.- TD

Answer: After a ride it is important to replace muscle glycogen. You can calculate the amount by calculating the Calories you expended in the event/training ride (this is important to avoid over doing and gaining weight). It is best to take the carbohydrates early (first 30 minutes after the ride) and as a free CHO (which is more rapidly absorbed - Coke is great).

Question: "I am a 33 year old avid cyclist and local racer who trains from 1 to 1.5 hours a day during the week and 4 to 5 hours on the weekends. I am a fairly strong Cat 4 rider that wants to move up to Cat 3, and wanted to get some feedback on whether or not I should pursue a protein/carbohydrate recovery drink mix like Endurox R4/Accelerade to help aid recovery and restore my glycogen levels. I'm sure you're aware of the claims being made by the various supplement manufacturers of how it can increase performance but I wanted to get your take on it." --TD

Answer: After a ride it is important to replace muscle glycogen. You can calculate the exact amount by calculating the Calories you used in the event/ride (see below) so you don't over do it and begin to add weight. It is best to begin the replacement carbohydrates early (first 30 minutes), and as a simple sugar (glucose) which is rapidly absorbed (Coke is great).

There is no data that a combination of protein and carbohydrates is any better than carbohydrates alone (assuming you take adequate Calories). Taste alone would bea reason to consider a combination replacement.

The issue really comes down to whether the cost of those special drinks (with a bit of protein)are justified and the answer is that it depends on the amount of free cash you have. Your success as a competitor will almost certainly rest on an overall sound training and nutritional program, not on the presence of protein in a post ride drink. And remember, there is always chocolate milk as an option!

How much should you eat?

Estimating individual Caloric replacement needs is always a challenge. A nd as a CHANGE IN WEIGHT (IN LBS) = (CALORIES BURNED - CALORIES CONSUMED)/3500, you will see the results reflected in the bathroom scales.

Regular physical exercise will help to protect your muscles from being cannibalized during periods of negative Caloric balance so if you are riding regularly, you will not lose significant muscle mass even if you underestimate your Calorie needs. However, if you overshoot on the Calorie replacement, and especially if you have been exercising at a slow pace (which does increase the use of fat Calories while maintaining muscle glycogen stores), any excess post ride carbohydrate loading may find muscle glycogen stores already "filled" and at that point any additional carbohydrate Calories will be converted directly into fat.

To pull this all together, I'd suggest a high carbohydrate diet (60 to 70% carbohydrate, low in fat).Wight training to maintain upper body muscle mass. And keeping an eye on t he bathroom scale to determine if you have estimated replacement needs correctly. With a regular exercise program, a modest weight gain should be in muscle mass and any weight loss from fat.

Question:I thought I saw on your site somewhere a recipe for making your own recovery drinks? I cant find it anywhere. Thanks for all your efforts.

Answer:I regularly receive questions as to the "best" recovery drink. There is a lot of folklore and anecdotal experience floating around, and recovery drinks are a big business. In 2007 sports drinks sales in the USA alone accounted for more than $1.5 billion. With so much money at stake in the sale of supplements it's hard to get solid information on what is optimal and what is just marketing hyperbole.

Research shows us that post-exercise nutrition can improve the quality and the rate of recovery after a bout of serious exercise. Signs of poor recovery include fatigue, poor workouts, and perhaps prolonged muscle soreness. Nutrition ingested right after working out, and up to two hours later can drastically improve one's recovery time.

The following are what I feel are supported by the facts:

Liquids are usually better tolerated than solid food after a workout. Liquid also has the advantage of replenishing fluid lost during exercise, and is digested and absorbed more rapidly than solid food.
Two hours is the magic period where carbohydrates eaten are preferentially processed into glycogen.
First priority - replacing internal glycogen stores you have utilized. Any carbohydrate works but simple carbohydrates may have a slight edge. Coke is my favorite. (And remember that if you are rigorous about taking nutrition while cycling, the amount of post exercise replacement will be less.)
There is evidence that a small amount of protein may help in recovery so I use low fat chocolate milk if I can find it. Is protein a big deal? It may lead to a small improvement in your next days exercise (and is measurable in the lab) but is probably of limited if any benefit for one eating a normal diet.
Second priority - replacing fluids. Dehydration is a risk with any strenuous activity and will increase your feeling of post exercise fatigue and perhaps muscle soreness.
Electrolytes are generally replaced with a normal diet. There is no harm in using a drink that contains electrolytes and micronutrients but also no evidence they are helpful. When I am exercising regularly I cover my bases with a daily multivitamin and a stress tab (B plus C) every morning.
Antioxidants are unproven - but popular in commercial drinks.

Wrapping it up, I'd take that daily multivitamin, eat something with carbohydrates immediately after the ride, and drink an extra glass of water or two.

Your question prompted me to take a quick look on Google. A few additional thoughts:

Low fat chocolate milk is an inexpensive recovery drink, a quick review of that information.
For most of us, who are not training intensely with daily rides, sport recovery bars and drinks are handy, but expensive. A snack or meal comprised of whole grains, fruit, and dairy is probably just as beneficial. So an alternative strategy would be a cola or glass of chocolate milk immediately as you get off the bike (to begin the glycogen repletion process) and then consider one of these snack options:
- 1 medium banana and glass of low-fat milk (chocolate?).
- A bowl of granola with 1 C low-fat milk.
- Low-fat yogurt with 1/2 C of fresh berries.
- Almond butter on whole wheat toast.
- A bowl of whole grain cereal with low-fat milk.
If you are interested in anti oxidants (and a nice smoothie to boot) this is an interesting recipe (with detailed instructions):
- Workout Recovery Drink Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon flax seed
- 1/3 cup frozen blueberries
- 1/2 cup frozen strawberries
- 1 carrot
- 1 leaf kale
- 1 tablespoon pomegranate concentrate
- 1/2 to 1 cup 100% fruit juice
- 1 scoop (30g) whey protein powder (vanilla flavored)
And finally a nice compilation of links that cover all aspects of recovery drinks at livestrong.com (but be careful to look at what is a sponsored link and what is based on facts).

All questions and suggestions are appreciated and will be answered.

Cycling Performance Tips
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