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By Tim Grassley

Many of the routes on the Elevations Credit Union Buffalo Bicycle Classic are long, demanding rides with a mix of climbs, descents and potential changes in weather. Proper fueling can make the difference between a triumphant finish and a bonk halfway through. Each BBC aid station will have Tailwind Endurance Fuel and an assortment of delicious food to choose from.

To avoid either a dreaded bonk or a gut bomb, here are a few tips to fuel smart the day of the ride. We should note that the following advice is collected from anecdotal experience and does not constitute an official fueling guide. The authors of this article are not nutritionists, but instead avid cycling enthusiasts who have found these strategies to help make a better day out of enjoying some of Colorado’s best roads.

Start topped off

If you can, eat a full breakfast two hours before the start. Oats and nuts with dates and a banana alongside a cup of coffee is a time-tested combo.

Hydrate early with 16–20oz of water or a mild Tailwind mix to get electrolytes on board without spiking blood sugar too early.

Tailwind on the bike: Sip consistently

Tailwind Nutrition is designed to deliver electrolytes, simple carbs and calories  in one drink. It simplifies fueling and reduces the need for solid food, if desired.

• Fill up at the start line and sip every 10–15 minutes, aiming for one bottle per hour, especially in warm conditions.
• Pro tip: If you're going heavy on Tailwind, reduce other high-sugar snacks to avoid GI distress.

High-calorie foods: Grab what you’ll eat

While Tailwind can be your main source of fuel, many riders perform best with a mix of liquid and solid calories, especially those delicious options at every aid station. Solid foods help keep hunger at bay and can stabilize energy levels over a long day in the saddle.

If you’re in a hurry, ask why (it’s a ride!) and then pack foods where they’re easy to reach—jersey pockets, top tube bag or bar bag if you have it. Practice opening and eating energy bars while riding. You might also see how you do stomaching energy bars or chews that have been warmed while sitting in your jersey pocket.

Use the aid stations

The BBC takes pride in its stocked aid stations—a quick stop could give you crucial fuel for the next 20 miles. At each stop:

• Refill bottles with water/Tailwind.
• Eat something with protein/fat, if you’re craving variety (e.g., PB crackers, the potatoes in Hygiene or the Nutella bread are favorites).
• Take a minute to get in a good stretch. Only sit down if you’re ok with that “oh, goodness” stiffness standing back up.

Stopping in Hygiene or Nederland

If your ride is 4+ hours, your fueling the final hour is just as important. Keep in-taking protein and carbs even if you're close to the finish.

• Keep sipping Tailwind until the finish so that your body continues to intake calories that you’re burning.
• If you grab energy bars or chews at one of our aid stations, eat your final snack 30–45 minutes before you expect to finish.
• The potatoes! They’re just so good.

Practice in training

This can’t be overstated: Practice your fueling ahead of the event. If possible, test Tailwind’s Endurance Fuel concentration formula ahead of time alongside your solid food preferences to gauge how your stomach handles the carbs.  

Practice opening packages on your bike to see how easily you can get access to food (i.e., it might be easier to stick with Tailwind than trying to get into a package of energy chews; it might be worth sticking with solid food after two hours of Tailwind—your body will let you know).

Final Thoughts

Fueling for the Elevations Credit Union Buffalo Bicycle Classic isn’t just about avoiding the bonk—it’s about riding stronger, enjoying the scenery and finishing with a smile. Tailwind Endurance Fuel offers a clean, efficient base, and when paired with tried-and-true solid foods, it creates a powerful, customizable fueling strategy.

Train your gut, listen to your body and enjoy the ride.

Curious about Tailwind Endurance Fuel? Learn more about the hydration solution.