Brown Cat writes:

I've started doing a weekly 25 mile bike ride. The first time I went
that far I ate no food along and only drank water the way and felt
utterly exhausted.

I've found that I start feeling a bit fatigued about half way through and
I've taken to eating a Turkish Delight washed down with a bottle of
Lucozade which seems to give me a noticeable boost of energy.

What does everyone else do to keep their energy up on long rides?

How long does the ride take you?

A couple of hours should be doable without really needing to fuel up
during the ride, although it certainly doesn't hurt to have something. I
normally put a banana and some chocolate in my back pocket if I'm going
to be riding for several hours; if I see I nice pub and the mood takes
me then beer and crisps help

It might help to think about what you eat before hand. A complex-carbs
rich meal a couple of hours beforehand should mean you start with
reasonably reserves; and make sure that you're not thirsty before you
start.

If you're not used to the exercise then you're probably going to feel it
whatever you eat until you're conditioned; but that'll come soon enough
if it becomes a regular part of your life.