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WHAT IS YOUR GO-TO PERFORMANCE/ENERGY FOOD AND WHY?

I hardly ever leave for a long training ride without salted cashews, pitted dates, and some kind of chewy, sugary snack (lately, it’s dark chocolate–covered candied ginger). The cashews provide salt, fat, protein, and carbs. Dates are sweet calories while still being real food. The ginger is like an energy chew, but better because it’s got a little spice and a more palatable texture.

BIGGEST CHALLENGE TO GETTING GOOD NUTRITION? ANY EASY SOLUTIONS?

Because I travel fast, I have to get creative with my food options. One of the most important skills of an endurance bikepacker is turning the limited selection of a convenience store into a delicious, nutritious meal. First I identify the high-protein, high-calorie options—peanut butter or packaged fish. Tortillas make a great vessel for these, plus they pack well on a bike. I’ll also usually buy a sleeve of cookies or doughnut holes and if the store has fresh produce, I go for avocados and oranges too.

WHAT IS YOUR BEST EATING HABIT? YOUR WORST?

I’ve trained myself to eat any time I have a fleeting thought of food while I’m riding. A lot of folks wait until they’re really hungry because they don’t want to take time or effort to eat on the bike. I’ve learned that I perform better if I’m eating before I get to the grumpy hunger stage. My worst eating habit . . . I eat a lot of junk food while I’m riding.

HAS YOUR APPROACH TO FOOD, IN RELATION TO PERFORMANCE, CHANGED OVER TIME?

We’re marketed a lot of performance nutrition that’s supposed to be formulated specifically for our sports. I went through a phase where I was buying protein bars and energy gel packets because I thought it was going to make me perform better. You can only choke down so many Clif Bars and sport waffles on a 150-mile ride before you never want to eat another bar or waffle again.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FOOD INDULGENCE AT THE END OF THE DAY?

One giant apple fritter, please!

LIGHTNING ROUND: DOGS OR CATS? VAN, SUV, OR TRUCK? DOWN OR FLEECE?

I have a cat named Moonpie, and he is the best! Bicycle; I’ve been car-free for two years. Down. Do you know how cold it gets in Montana?! I’m from Alabama and I’m still learning.

Ally Mabry is a 28-year-old adventure cyclist based in Missoula, Montana. She was the first female to finish the Arkansas High Country Race, as well as the first amateur female to complete the whole route. She feels most alive flying down a gravel road on her bike and bush camping in the backcountry.