I agree with all of you; ride up easy while feeding for the big day, lots of carbs on the big day, and eat a lot after for the ride home.
While I will certainly use a variety of real food, electrolytes (PH is preferred), and Bloks, I am hooked on Tailwind products for drink based carbs and recovery. I am thinking that perhaps I will supplement their endurance fuel with some of the recovery drink during the 24 just to get more in the belly. It always sits well with with me.