by wayneh » Sun Sep 14, 2008 9:57 pm
DK,
Second your comments regarding the food this year. I was saving mine for the rider survey, but in a nutshell:
Lunches this year were pretty weak. The ultimate low were the mayonnaise-laden chicken wraps on the way to Baker City. This isn't cycling food. Everyone I talked to complained about this meal in particular. Given we are in the middle of a significant ride each day, I would put more importance on lunch menus than what I see currently given. Perhaps a local sports nutritionist could be of help.
I don't expect gourmet feeding 2,000 plus riders. Breakfast is what it is. Had I not purchased some GU shots from the Bike Gallery, I wouldn't have made it over day 5 climbs.
And for the first couple of days, where the h*** was the pizza? Pizzacato was there every day when they were part of the ride, and they had great pizza. Sustainable ingredients are great, but if you can't eat them, what's the point? OK, so the boysenberry soda was delicious. I still want pizza well before dinner. Somebody please coach Hot Lips if they are to remain the pizza vendor of choice.
I don't mean to second-guess the effort it takes to feed this many cyclists,
but salads at lunch laden with mayo don't work, especially when we are faced with a steep climb right after. And apparently there was a deal on BBQ Lay's potato chips, as that's all we saw when potato chips were offered.
The number of riders hasn't changed much over the years, and the registration fee has steadily increased. I'd rather eat better food than waste time listening to the music, if that's a choice that has to be made.
And you are right to point out - the fresh peaches were probably the highlight of the daily rest stops when offered, along with the watermelon, strawberries, and canteloupe. Those were awesome, up at Salt Creek Summit, and at the Minam rest stop just before the climb up the grade.
I'd be curious to hear other comments on this topic, but I think lunch menus in particular need an overhaul.