What Does Bonking Mean in Cycling?

Bonking (aka hitting the wall) is when your body says: “Nope, we’re done here.”

Your glycogen, basically your cycling fuel, runs out and everything goes downhill. Fast.

• Your legs: jelly

• Your brain: potato

• Your ride: instantly 300% less fun

If you’ve ever been mid-ride, feeling like a Tour de France hero, only to crash into an invisible wall of fatigue… congratulations, you’ve bonked!

Why Do Cyclists Bonk?

Because we forget we’re not robots. Your body needs carbs to keep the engine running and when the tank is empty and people screaming you can't park there, you know what is up.

Classic bonk symptoms include:

• Sudden loss of energy (goodbye KOM dreams)

• Muscles heavier than your uncle’s e-bike

• Mental fog, mood swings and irrational hatred of small hills

• Shakes, chills and asking yourself: “for how much can I sell this bike?”

How to Avoid Bonking

Good news: bonking is avoidable if you play it smart. Think of it as GTA cheat codes for cyclists.

• Eat carbs like it’s your job: gels, bars, bananas, waffles, even that gas station Snickers.

• Hydrate: water always, electrolytes if you’re out there suffering longer.

• Snack before you’re hungry: waiting until you feel empty is like waiting to fill your car after it’s already broken down.

Rule of thumb: if you’re asking “should I eat now?” the answer is always yes.

Embracing the Bonk

Here’s the twist: at BONK, we don’t just fear the bonk… we celebrate it. Because every rider has been there. It’s a rite of passage. It hurts, it humbles you and it makes finishing a ride feel like conquering Everest.

So the next time you bonk, laugh about it. Wear it like a badge. Then refuel, keep pedaling and remember, every cyclist from beginner to pro has joined the BONK Club at least once.