I tapered. I’d add a grapefruit or banana to breakfast. Then on workout days I’d eat a sweet potato for lunch (cook a batch of them on Sunday- lasts the week) . Pretty soon I didn’t feel bad about eating carbs. I track my calories as I’m trying to maintain a small daily deficit but hit my protein and carb targets.
I’ve found that I can still easily do a fasted ride or go low carb on a day if I want. This is the idea of carb periodization. This may also work for you. All depends on the intensity of your workouts. Another forum reader @Rizzi suggested this website Sigma Nutrition . It has articles on carb periodization.