Through The Wall and Beyond

Left all the dog biscuits at home last week and was completely ballixxed after 3+ hours in the saddle. I was so wrecked I just couldn't hold on to the handlebars and had a few offs. My mates said keep going, I would get through it, which eventually happened about 1/2 hour later.

Apparently it's the body running out of carbs and, er, starting to feed on itself. Thereafter I had loads of energy again and could even sprint.

There's probably loads of cyclists here who know all about this: is it perfectly safe to keep going for an extended period while your body is 'feeding on itself', or can you do yourself damage?

Thanks,
Greg.

of course its bad for you !! your body is eating muscle !! it leaves the fat to last. Figure that out for yourself ..Cyclists are a nutritionists nightmare ! how much room do you need in your pockets for a mars bar FFS !!

Start here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hitting_the_wall

<....The British may refer to it as "hunger knock" ...>

NOW I know what the Culchie was on about!
Think I prefer the other term for it...;D

<... if they didn't rest and eat they would get "the bonk">

Great Link, thanks! Makes for good reading. Carbos are king:)

Edit: I now have a personal nutritionist:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xk9l6fyxcBE

I think I'll do some "bonk training"
Anyone want to join me?

You'd want to be careful with that "training", you tend to peak too early!

Since diet comes up over and over again, this webpage was put together aimed at Irish mountain bikers and racers.

http://www.irishxcmtb.com/racing/nutrition-and-diet/