I've never yet used electrolytes but find myself taking advantage of food halfway through my rides since I came back from an 11 year hiatus. Maybe some of it is due to conditioning early in the season but I've bonked on a 50 + mile ride without eating a rice cake or some parmesan cheese covered boiled potatoes. I used to not need to eat so soon on rides but it seems I'm stronger going back home when I do now.