In Italy, the thing a lot of riders do is to take along a few packets of jam, like they give you in restaurants, with the little peel-off tops. That works pretty well and is a lot cheaper than expensive sports bars.
Thats a good idea - I must try it. I have just come back home a week ago after spending July and August riding my bike around France. Whilst there I was relying on taking those little muesli bars (useful for when you are on the bike for a whole day as when cycle touring) and sugar cubes for moments of exhaustion.
I got the sugar cubes idea after watching the French cyclists using them, but they are not that pleasant to eat.
Interesting idea. A lot of people prefer Jelly Babies to energy gels. Sugar takes water to metabolise tho', so I stick to Viper which has dextrose and BCAAs in solution.
