I think you're right about the carbs, at least in part. I've been on a calorie restricted diet since the start of the New Year, evidentially this is at odds with my attempts at increasing the distances I cycle. I did some research on various forums to see if anybody else has the same issue. The overwhelming majority of people have one thing in common; lack of conditioning. It seems that I simply have to ride more in order to be able to ride without it exhausting me. Fairly obvious, not sure why I didn’t realise this to begin with. Hopefully my body will get it’s act together by the time the summer rolls around.
I'm in the same boat. I'm dropping weight for the Kent Killer at the moment, almost 4KG lost in 2 weeks so far. Just remember that when you're riding, you
must eat enough calories to fuel the ride. The fact you're eating to a deficit should in no way interfere with that.
In fact, even if you ate the exact amount you burnt during the ride, you'd still lose weight because the ride raises the rate at which you burn calories, and that thermogenesis lasts for several hours after the ride ends.
I'll make the following loose suggestion, please try it and tailor it to suit you:
30 mins Pre-Ride: 200 calories (Banana, energy bar, malt loaf, filled croissant etc.)
On the hour during ride: 200 calories minimum (truth is you are probably burning 400-500 calories per hour)
Post-Ride: Some protein, some carbs. No more than a couple of hundred calories again.
As I said, play around and find what suits you.
Finally, remember, you haven't got the juice in the tank to ride like you stole something! The plan here must be long, steady rides. Stick to 16 MPH and just keep going
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