To me the easiest way to describe bonking is: blood sugar drop. If anyone out there has ever had their blood sugar drop - you know what it feels like: clammy sweat, shakes, dizziness, headaches, fainting, confusion, lack of coordination.

Queen: I have a friend who just can not see food as fuel so she bonks every long ride we do re: over 25 miles. She thinks she's overweight and is riding the bike to help her lose it so if she eats, it defeats the purpose of riding the bike. and there is nothing I can do or say to help her understand the engine won't run on empty! I eat more now than I did a year ago - and I've lost 18 lbs in the last year. I would rather have TOO much food during a ride than not enough. and so far not only has it seemed to work for me, but I ride the next day too ie: my second century, I went out and rode 52 miles the next day, then bike commuted to work the rest of that week.

RR: it was my understanding that a person can "hit the wall" but not collapse. Think Lance riding up the mtn that one tour where he didn't eat.........he finished the stage riding his bike but has Not a clue how he did it, nor does he remember anything from the time he "bonked" until much later after he had eaten.