London Bikeathon - 100mi this Sunday

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I did a 100 the other day and the misses made me fruity flapjack cut into 8 bite size pieces wrapped in tin foil - one every 45 mins or so. Had a banana and 4 High5 gels and a breakfast of Oats and Dried fruit. Did the trick. Rego, porridge and spaghetti with sauce afterwards. No aches or pains at all and rode to work the next day as if I hadn't done anything the day before.

Great tips, I know I hijacked this a bit but cheers!

Oh and perhaps most important of all - make sure you eat well the day before. A nice big pile of carbs will see you through the first half of the 100 nicely.

I usually survive a 100 with two bananas and a whole load of soreen. Nothing like crossing that finish line with black teeth

Real food where possible. Save the gels for the end if you can when you really need that little boost and don't have the energy to eat. If you haven't used gels before be wary, some people get upset stomachs but most are usually fine.

Squash is fine - add some salt to it for those all important electrolytes which may help prevent cramp towards the end.

Enjoy - remember not to get too carried away with the all the excitement at the beginning and start too fast.

Ooh and some jelly babies for a change of taste.

I have a friend who also swears by coke. He uses the little mixer cans. I'm not sure I could handle the fizz; I get a bit burpy on squash!

A can of coke in the back twenty does me the world of good, other fizzy drinks are available

Pace yourself, stop at the food stations, remember your rate of fluid intake increases as you get near the end of the ride so stock up near the end, even if you don't reckon you'll use it all.

If you can get on to the back of a fast group at any time, then do - it'll save your legs and give you some company

Incidently, any thoughts on jelly beans etc. rather than these pricey (but admitedly pro looking) energy gels?

Also thoughts on regular Orange squash (not suger free) rather than high5 or similar?

I'm preparing for my first 100 too, noting these tips!

Oh dear, that route looks awfully familiar. I am sure Mr N. Imby of Surrey will not be happy.

Actually you sound quite well stocked as long as you start eating early. Don't go past the first water station, actually stop and restock when ever you can.

Tip: Print off the altitude profile:
http://www.gpsies.com/map.do?fileId=cmbqcqrjjyzafrtj
mark the position of the water stations on the route then tape the strip down the top tube. Never miss a stop again. People will think you know what you are doing.