Am a hobby-cyclist. I wouldn't even use the word amateur, as it already conveys a sense of aspiration to professionalism that I do not have. I specifically reject the idea that you need to follow any kind of 'norm' or 'trend' by using specific bikes, wearing specific cloths or be in a specific shape to do cycling. I think, all you need is a bike.
That doesn't mean that I'm without goals or aspiration in general. I do like to go fast on a bike. And I'd really like to be able to go far, too. Ideally both at the same time. I'm not denying basic physics (I have a lightweight(-ish) bike with slim(-ish) tires and reduce my air resistance by hunkering down on aerobars.)
But seemingly I was in denial about bio-chemistry.
My attempts at longer rides so far hit a wall at about 50km. Not literally of course, but after I returned home, the effects were not much less unpleasant. Nausea, dizziness, stomach cramps, almost blacking out in addition to the inevitable hurting muscles. This lasted for hours and usually made my unsuited for any serious task for the rest of the day. That did not only block my progression, but also came with serious penalties in my time management, if I had to block out a whole day just for a modest ride.
Let's cut this short: The solution was fuel. My body didn't have any after an hour of riding, so it aggressively attacked itself in search of opportunities to conserve energy. My 'you only need a bike' rule did not mean I didn't bring any water on the trip, but I though eating before and after would be enough. It isn't.
I tried mixing my own liquid fuel with ~120g of sugar in 1l of water, added half a teaspoon of salt, a bit of magnesium supplement powder and a lemon for taste. I brought 1.5l of this in bottles and 2l of pure water in a drinking bag on my next tour and tried to keep me on a 1 pull on the bottles + 1 cleaning pull of water every 10-15min schedule. (I did not want to keep my teeth soaked in sugary water for hours.)
Results are astonishing. I made 70km on the first try. 95km on the next. Had another fast one with 60km. All without feeling any bad effects after I returned home. Sure, the legs are tired, as they should be, but no dizziness, no cramps. Feeling fine after a short rest and a shower.
I still won't be seen buying those electrolyte cycling mixes or eat gels out of bags, but as long as I can prepare it from basic ingredients in my kitchen, I'm fine with adding “and fuel if you want to go >50km” to my “You only need a bike” rule.
I would love to hear from other cyclists. What made such a difference in your progression? How do you fuel up? Do you follow the hype and buy stuff or are you a DIYer?