+1 on reserves, on definition of carb loading including the depletion stage.

I don't do depletion - 2 hours is enough for me. I focus on eating enough carbs and such the day or two before a race. What I eat the morning of is really more to control hunger - it's not truly fuel for the day.

I've done long rides (70-80 miles) using only a bottle of sugar soda (200 cal or so), and drinking it in the last 30-45 min of a 5-6 hour ride. But I feel better if I eat and/or drink regularly on longer rides. I'll use a sugar electrolyte, and on really long rides I'll buy peanuts or some kind of fat. I had Pop Tarts the last couple 6-7 hour rides I did.

cdr