ImaDucky

Well it was yesterday and today, and it went very well, all things considered! I really enjoyed all the people and the events along the route. I will definitely do it again next year. I have a tailbone injury, so I'm afraid I didn't finish...but I did go about 120 miles on my bike before giving in! I just couldn't stand in my pedals another 40 miles to the finish, so I sagged in. There were just over 4,000 folks participating in this ride, which was great. There were rest stops about every ten to fifteen miles with support crew handing out bananas and oranges, water and gatorade, snacks of all sorts...also different bike shops had tents at each rest stop to assist riders with flats or mechanical issues along the way. The overnight was at Texas Motor Speedway, which is about 25 minutes from my house, so I came home for the night. But most camped out in tents right there at the speedway.

For protein, I use EAS Premium Protein from Costco. It is in a big purple and silver bag, has 27 grams of protein and 150 calories in the chocolate. (140 for vanilla, but I don't drink that very much.) It really tastes great. I don't like my protein thick, and this isn't. I mix mine with 8 oz. water, five or six ice cubes, add extra (chocolate) powder (three scoops instead of two), and add a scoop of natural peanut butter with flaxseed and flaxseed oil...it is super yummy at that point and comes out to 285 calories and about 45 grams of protein. Keeps me full for hours...a complete meal replacement...tons better than any RTD on the market like Slim Fast or the likes. Those products are sugar/carb trash, in my opinion.

Oh! Sometimes I need more fiber, so I put Benefiber right in the protein drink and that works great. After banding, fiber can become a common issue.