Food During Organized Rides... Thoughts?

During century and metric century rides, I usually fall on the side of being pleasantly surprised if food is extra tasty or special in any way e.g. I LOVE savory items at rest stops (I max out on too much sugar). I also love when they have watermelon, lots of fruit, pretzels, peanut butter sandwich (no jelly). 

When I'm riding unsupported, I'll research a rest stop with a restaurant. What I've learned is that I don't want to load up on heavy items after a ride because I don't want to undo what I did riding. Calorie burn and calorie intake are not equal and I found out the hard way. I no longer consider "earned treats" an excuse to indulge. I'm sure not everyone has experienced this - some people can eat as much and whatever they like. I am no longer in that category so I carefully watch what I eat no matter how little or how much I ride. I'm on a bike nearly every day and consider it my exercise for the day. 

A concern came up about post-ride food offerings. I consider those a bonus but to be honest, I don't usually want what they are serving (loads of pasta, high fat foods, lack of fresh veggies, etc.). I tend to scope out a restaurant nearby so I can have a proper meal and won't be bothered if all they have are pork sandwiches. I have realized some organizers LOVE pork sandwiches so much they don't necessarily realize not all of us eat pork and there are a fair amount of vegetarians out there too. 

The best finish I've had is when there's ice cream at the end on a hot day and it's just enough to keep me from being hangry before I get to the restaurant. ;-)

So what are your thoughts? Experiences? Food restrictions? 

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Permalink Reply by Anne Alt on July 16, 2018 at 4:28am

North Shore Century and Apple Cider Century each have a great tradition of offering a nice variety of food, and some delicious homemade items.  

Permalink Reply by Yasmeen on July 16, 2018 at 4:40am

Thanks for sharing - I've heard that's the case about those rides. I love Joliet's 4th of July watermelon - so refreshing on a hot day.

Swedish Days has had homemade brownies which were SO good. 

Permalink Reply by Anne Alt on July 16, 2018 at 6:49am

North Shore Century is known for excellent home made cookies and other goodies.  One of the well known treats at Apple Cider is home made soup at one of the rest stops - really great on a chilly morning.

Permalink Reply by Yasmeen on July 16, 2018 at 8:01am

Sounds amazing.

Tour de Shore has a pancake stop on the first day and at the end of the day the last stop before the overnight has a nice outside beer garden. It also ends in a cookout on the beach (second day) before boarding the bus to head back to the city.

Permalink Reply by Ernesto Lube on July 16, 2018 at 4:35am

I like this...

I normally carry a Cliff Bar (x2) and lots of H2O - Self supported rides are the best... and the bestest are organized ones because of the plethora of foodables. 

One time I did the Trek 100 in WI, and at the half way, they had chicken wings. I wanted to stuff some in my jersey pockets, but it would have been messy. 

On long rides, I don't eat the power stuff and maybe a can of chicken loaf or sardines. And lots of liquids. 

Permalink Reply by Yasmeen on July 16, 2018 at 4:45am

I wish I could stomach Cliff Bars but I struggle to eat those so I rely on Gu (chocolate or salted caramel) or gummies which are a little easier on the system. 

The wings sound really good even if maybe a little messy? :-) 

The ride I just did in DC, I wasn't sure what they'd have and I was REALLY in the mood for avocado toast so I made some, wrapped it up and kept it in my jersey pocket. It's now my new favorite ride food (and breakfast!). I was soaking wet when I was done so I rode back home and ordered food delivery. :-) I'm also a sucker for post-ride tacos. They are so tasty.

Permalink Reply by Ernesto Lube on July 16, 2018 at 4:52am

Your avocado toast... damn that's YES!

Next long ride I will invest in some ingredients for that - because it sounds awesome!

Permalink Reply by Yasmeen on July 16, 2018 at 4:55am

Trader Joe's sells avocados in a bag and French Bread you can bake to finish it. It's SO inexpensive and easy (and tasty!). A little olive oil and salt added for taste. 

Permalink Reply by Ernesto Lube on July 16, 2018 at 5:03am

Thanks! I might try that for tomorrow's after work ride. 

Permalink Reply by Ernesto Lube on July 17, 2018 at 2:20am

This is what America needs. 

Permalink Reply by Yasmeen on July 17, 2018 at 3:00am

that's awesome. What do you think?

Another approach is to mush it all up with a little olive oil and salt and spread it on French bread (you are so healthy with your wheat toast!). It's a little more portable when it's used as a spread. :-)

Permalink Reply by Ernesto Lube on July 17, 2018 at 3:17am

I took the other piece of toast and smooshed it. I did add a little salt. Wrapped it in saran wrap (ran out of paper towels), and stuffed it in the back pack.

After I arrived at the office, I systematically took it out of the backpack, and placed it in the refrigerator. I think it will cause jealousy and mayhem within the working environment. 

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