If only riding fasted would MAKE me fast!

But I would say, be cautious about going out on an empty stomach, especially when you know you\’re going to be fighting a headwind. I wouldn\’t do it on a day when I plan to do hard efforts, either.

For years I\’ve noticed that, once my stomach starts to growl, bonking could be seconds away; on the bike or off. That goes back to long before I even began to ride; and I believe it\’s part of why I\’m hanging at 15 pounds more than I really want to weigh: I\’m afraid of getting hungry.

Riding in a fasted state is supposed to help your body learn to be a better fat burner. When glycogen levels are low, the body has to tap into its fat stores. At some point, however, you\’ve got to have some carbs. The body\’s fat has been compared to the wax of a candle; and its glycogen, to the candle\’s wick. A candle can\’t burn any too well without a wick.

A week ago, when the temperature was 57 and the wind a stiff 22 mph, I tried an easy, 20-minute \”fasted\” session in the trainer. It seemed to go OK. Maybe some day I\’ll try a short, easy, fasted outdoor ride.

The caution here is to take along something high-carb that you can eat if you do feel the bonk coming on. You don\’t want to have to ride miles to get home to your food if you do bonk! This, in fact, is why I carry a few GU-Gels with me on all rides; even just going to and from work.

Now, if only I could get faster!