I don't intentionally eat anything prior to a ride. I do try to ensure I have drank a glass of water or other hydration just prior. Sometimes just downing a 12 - 14 fluid ounces water immediately before going out the door. My body has everything it needs to start out and I supplement the fuel requirements with carbohydrates during the ride. I tend to side with the articles that claim carb loading prior to a ride is bunk. Certainly if you exercise at anaerobic levels every day, then you need to stay on top of your carb's. But that really isn't carb loading. That's replacing enough of the lost glycogen to be at your max for the next day. If you are going a day or so between rides, you'll have repleted your lost glycogen quick enough and binging on carb's will be for naught.