Organized Ride Food
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Santa Ynez Valley, CA
Posts: 117
Bikes: Mercier Serpens & Nishiki Meridian SRS
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Organized Ride Food
I'm getting ready to ride my first Solvang Prelude and after reading the very dismal review by merider1 regarding the rest stop fare on the recent MS 150 (https://www.bikeforums.net/southern-california/239318-ms-150-santa-barbara-day-i-ride-report-pics.html) I'm wondering what to expect with this normally GIGANTIC organized ride sponsored by SCOR coming up on the 4th of Nov. This organization also does the Solvang Century in March. Are we talking great rest stops and SAG support like the awesome Lighthouse (https://www.slobc.org/Lighthouse.html) & Wildflower rides (https://www.slobc.org/Wildflower.html) put on yearly by the San Luis Obispo Bicycle Club, or more of the "gut bomb" garbage merider1 reported? Thanks for the "heads up" on what to bring, if that's necessary, for the Prelude!
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 372
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I have done SCOR's March Solvang Century a few times. Their food is what I consider normal fare, e.g. PB&J, bagels, fruit and cookies. For drinks they had water and, er, can't remember, but it was probably something Gatorade or Cytomax.
#3
OMG! i'm a DURT gurl!!!!
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: HOT, sunny socal desert
Posts: 4,939
Bikes: 2007 specialized stumpjumper FSR expert, 2006 specialized ruby pro, 2004 specialized dolce elite, 2005 specialized hardrock
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
i've only done one organized ride where i was uber disappointed in their sag food... and that was the stagecoach last year....
all the others usually appease me with some good junk food! i never drink the mixed drinks... so i can't comment on that for ANY of the rides (except cool breeze... i do drink lemonade at that one!) otherwise it's just water for me!
granted.... some are better than others.... but really the ONLY one in all the rides i've done that stands out as not good.... is the above mentioned stagecoach (however their lunch and deserts were AWESOME!)
all the others usually appease me with some good junk food! i never drink the mixed drinks... so i can't comment on that for ANY of the rides (except cool breeze... i do drink lemonade at that one!) otherwise it's just water for me!
granted.... some are better than others.... but really the ONLY one in all the rides i've done that stands out as not good.... is the above mentioned stagecoach (however their lunch and deserts were AWESOME!)
__________________
OCP and PROUD!
"OCP is not just about attitude, it's a way of life!"
life's too short to ride a crummy bike..........
OCP and PROUD!
"OCP is not just about attitude, it's a way of life!"
life's too short to ride a crummy bike..........
#5
Climbing better
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Santa Clarita, CA
Posts: 697
Bikes: Kestrel Talon
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
The SCOR supported rides in Solvang have good SAG stops. They have the usual thinks to refuel. PB&J sandwiches, bagels, cookies, bananas, oranges. Water and I think the refueling drink they use is SPITZ. never tried it.
#6
no more nellie
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 17,369
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by scvroadie
The SCOR supported rides in Solvang have good SAG stops. They have the usual thinks to refuel. PB&J sandwiches, bagels, cookies, bananas, oranges. Water and I think the refueling drink they use is SPITZ. never tried it.
#7
Dagger Boy
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Southern California
Posts: 3,247
Bikes: 1999 GT 5.0i mountain, 2004 Basso Reef road
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
No matter what ride I am participating in I always make sure that I am well stocked with my own supplies, just in case.
The organized rides try to cater to the largest population of people and therefore staples like PBJ, bananas, trail mix, muffins, bagels, and cookies. Lunch stops generally have something like a 6" Subway sandwich.
Also, remember that sport drinks do not work with everyone and so the organizers must go with the lowest common denominator, which could be simply water.
The experiences by M.E. and me on the recent MS rides are not indicative of every ride, and not a guarantee that things will not change next year on the MS rides. I know that I am going to be working heavily with the MS Society throughout the winter to make sure that they understand the nutritional needs of cyclists so that they can explain those needs to the vendors that offer to support the rides. Remember that bicycling clubs instinctively know the best things to feed cyclists, but charity ride organizers might not be cyclists themselves.
Heck, there was someone that complained about the energy bars offered at the MS Bay to Bay ride because they contained peanuts and the person was allergic. Personally, if I was allergic to peanuts, whey, or any other major foodstuff I would always bring my own supplies.
The organized rides try to cater to the largest population of people and therefore staples like PBJ, bananas, trail mix, muffins, bagels, and cookies. Lunch stops generally have something like a 6" Subway sandwich.
Also, remember that sport drinks do not work with everyone and so the organizers must go with the lowest common denominator, which could be simply water.
The experiences by M.E. and me on the recent MS rides are not indicative of every ride, and not a guarantee that things will not change next year on the MS rides. I know that I am going to be working heavily with the MS Society throughout the winter to make sure that they understand the nutritional needs of cyclists so that they can explain those needs to the vendors that offer to support the rides. Remember that bicycling clubs instinctively know the best things to feed cyclists, but charity ride organizers might not be cyclists themselves.
Heck, there was someone that complained about the energy bars offered at the MS Bay to Bay ride because they contained peanuts and the person was allergic. Personally, if I was allergic to peanuts, whey, or any other major foodstuff I would always bring my own supplies.
__________________
Women think they're so clever because they can fake an orgasm for the sake of a relationship, but men can fake a whole relationship for the sake of an orgasm.
Women think they're so clever because they can fake an orgasm for the sake of a relationship, but men can fake a whole relationship for the sake of an orgasm.
#8
hello
Originally Posted by merider1
The LA Wheelman Grand Tour is it! I mean, who gives you hot cup of noodle soup at mile 160? (best noodle soup I've ever eaten)
#9
Dagger Boy
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Southern California
Posts: 3,247
Bikes: 1999 GT 5.0i mountain, 2004 Basso Reef road
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by merider1
I mean, who gives you hot cup of noodle soup at mile 160? (best noodle soup I've ever eaten)
__________________
Women think they're so clever because they can fake an orgasm for the sake of a relationship, but men can fake a whole relationship for the sake of an orgasm.
Women think they're so clever because they can fake an orgasm for the sake of a relationship, but men can fake a whole relationship for the sake of an orgasm.
#10
no more nellie
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 17,369
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by The Fixer
correction: that best tasting, hot cup of noodle soup came at mile 140.
#11
hello
Originally Posted by merider1
Was that mile 140? Gosh. I guess I was so delirious, I assumed it was 160. It was demm good, I tell you! And I missed the homemade soup...guess I'll have to pedal faster next year!
#12
no more nellie
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 17,369
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
[QUOTE=Extort]No matter what ride I am participating in I always make sure that I am well stocked with my own supplies, just in case.
The experiences by M.E. and me on the recent MS rides are not indicative of every ride, and not a guarantee that things will not change next year on the MS rides. I know that I am going to be working heavily with the MS Society throughout the winter to make sure that they understand the nutritional needs of cyclists so that they can explain those needs to the vendors that offer to support the rides. Remember that bicycling clubs instinctively know the best things to feed cyclists, but charity ride organizers might not be cyclists themselves.
[QUOTE]
+1 and my bad, Phil. As I mentioned in my other thread, I focused too much on that - and I'm truly sorry if I made it sound like a "gut bomb" That was not my intention nor was that the case. Truth is, I started out both days of the ride with my own fuel (5 packs of gel, a payday and trailmix). It is my responsibility as a rider to carry my own fuel on all rides, same with tubes, etc., so your point is well made. Any organized ride could run out of supplies, and if you are at a remote location, you could really be in trouble without your own fuel.
The experiences by M.E. and me on the recent MS rides are not indicative of every ride, and not a guarantee that things will not change next year on the MS rides. I know that I am going to be working heavily with the MS Society throughout the winter to make sure that they understand the nutritional needs of cyclists so that they can explain those needs to the vendors that offer to support the rides. Remember that bicycling clubs instinctively know the best things to feed cyclists, but charity ride organizers might not be cyclists themselves.
[QUOTE]
+1 and my bad, Phil. As I mentioned in my other thread, I focused too much on that - and I'm truly sorry if I made it sound like a "gut bomb" That was not my intention nor was that the case. Truth is, I started out both days of the ride with my own fuel (5 packs of gel, a payday and trailmix). It is my responsibility as a rider to carry my own fuel on all rides, same with tubes, etc., so your point is well made. Any organized ride could run out of supplies, and if you are at a remote location, you could really be in trouble without your own fuel.
#13
Shredding Grandma!
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: So Cal
Posts: 4,803
Bikes: I don't own any bikes
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 46 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I have never particularly been enamored with the food offerings on the Solvang rides. Fairly simple. The first time i did the Prelude (many years ago) they actually ran out of food at the last few rest stops.
Like Extort, I always make sure I'm traveling with fuel - usually GU, Balance bars and electrolytes.
I now tend to compare all rides to the SLOBC events (Wild Flower and Lighthouse) and Cool Breeze. The morning sags on Wildflower offer not only PB sandwiches, pretzels and fruit, but also homemade date breads, muffins and cookies. The lunch stop is famous for its offerings incuding the biggest, juiciest strawberries who'll ever see and big homemade cookies. YUM! After the ride, they offer a BBQ chicken dinner. It's awesome. Lighthouse is as good as is Cool Breeze.
Other than that most rides offer oranges, cantaloupe, bananas, fig bars, pretzels, sometimes Keebler crackers with peanut butter, cookies and m & m's. Lunch usually includes a meat sandwich and chips. Drink is usually water or lemonade. I'll seldom been offered Gatorade or something else. Just be prepared. Know what your body needs. I wouldn't carry too much food or water but if you like something special (I like GU and Elete) make sure you bring it.
Just a note: keep your eyes peel for the Wildflower ride (out of Creston, CA). Signups I think occur in December or January. Signups sell out in hours the first day. It's a ride worth doing. When I get a notice of the signup date, I'll post it.
Like Extort, I always make sure I'm traveling with fuel - usually GU, Balance bars and electrolytes.
I now tend to compare all rides to the SLOBC events (Wild Flower and Lighthouse) and Cool Breeze. The morning sags on Wildflower offer not only PB sandwiches, pretzels and fruit, but also homemade date breads, muffins and cookies. The lunch stop is famous for its offerings incuding the biggest, juiciest strawberries who'll ever see and big homemade cookies. YUM! After the ride, they offer a BBQ chicken dinner. It's awesome. Lighthouse is as good as is Cool Breeze.
Other than that most rides offer oranges, cantaloupe, bananas, fig bars, pretzels, sometimes Keebler crackers with peanut butter, cookies and m & m's. Lunch usually includes a meat sandwich and chips. Drink is usually water or lemonade. I'll seldom been offered Gatorade or something else. Just be prepared. Know what your body needs. I wouldn't carry too much food or water but if you like something special (I like GU and Elete) make sure you bring it.
Just a note: keep your eyes peel for the Wildflower ride (out of Creston, CA). Signups I think occur in December or January. Signups sell out in hours the first day. It's a ride worth doing. When I get a notice of the signup date, I'll post it.
#14
www.ocrebels.com
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Los Angeles area
Posts: 6,186
Bikes: Several bikes, Road, Mountain, Commute, etc.
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 83 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times
in
2 Posts
Originally Posted by Extort
The last rest stop of Planet Ultra events always have Cup-o-Noodles, but the Grand Tour has HOMEMADE soup!!!
I don't eat hot-dogs except at Checkpoint #5 on the Knoxville double (BBQ'd and very good!), plus they always have chili at Checkpoint #6. Helps to warm you up if you're there after dark! The Quacks also have salted baked potato at all the Checkpoints, which are very tasty and an excellent source of carbs, but rarely seen on other rides.
Agreed that San Luis Obispo Cycling Club does a truely excellent job with the food on both the Wildflower and the Lighthouse.
#15
Dagger Boy
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Southern California
Posts: 3,247
Bikes: 1999 GT 5.0i mountain, 2004 Basso Reef road
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Rick@OCRR
The Quacks also have salted baked potato at all the Checkpoints, which are very tasty and an excellent source of carbs, but rarely seen on other rides.
__________________
Women think they're so clever because they can fake an orgasm for the sake of a relationship, but men can fake a whole relationship for the sake of an orgasm.
Women think they're so clever because they can fake an orgasm for the sake of a relationship, but men can fake a whole relationship for the sake of an orgasm.
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2005
Location: in the hills of Orange, CA
Posts: 1,355
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Rick@OCRR
Agreed that San Luis Obispo Cycling Club does a truely excellent job with the food on both the Wildflower and the Lighthouse.
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2005
Location: in the hills of Orange, CA
Posts: 1,355
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Extort
Heck, there was someone that complained about the energy bars offered at the MS Bay to Bay ride because they contained peanuts and the person was allergic. Personally, if I was allergic to peanuts, whey, or any other major foodstuff I would always bring my own supplies.
#18
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: SoCal - 909
Posts: 701
Bikes: IRO Jamie Roy (fixed-gear commuter), Gary Fisher Rig 29er SS, Trek Madone 5.5, Specialized Allez Comp, Marin Mt. Vision Pro, Specialized M2 Hardtail, beater Nishiki fixed-gear conversion, Gary Fisher Rig 29er SS
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I was very pleased with the food offered at Everest Challenge. All manner of hammer-nutrition (Heed, Perpetuem, Endurolytes, Hammer Gel) and Clif products (I love those clif bloks, but they're too expensive for me to buy them, so I was especially stoked to see 'em at all the rest stops.), along with various "real food" options. At the finish on both days they had water, sodas, burritos, soup, etc.