Ideas for BEST Rest Stop Food Ever
 

I've either hosted or volunteered in many large (2-3k rider) cycling events. This year I'd like to elevate the food at least one rest stop above and beyond the standard chips, cookies, bars, fruit, etc. I would expect this to require some pre-event preparation and wouldn't rule out on-site appliances (generator required) or grill, etc as long as the result impresses the cyclists. If we produce anything, we would need 300-1000 depending on the type of item.


Open to all creative ideas!!

Espresso shots. Pigs in blankets (mini)

Pancakes or waffles.

My fave is tomato pie (pizza with no cheese). But no way you will find consensus on which is the best choice. There are way too many options.

Paneer tika masala!

Tacos!

BBQ Pork Sliders, Mac & Cheese, and Cole Slaw. All easy to make ahead of time, keep in trays and serve up to the riders as they pass through.

Rice cakes with protein of sort in them like the pros use.

I might eat this at the end of a long ride. Rest stop, though? Good god, no.

If it’s a hot day, best rest stop treat I’ve had was cold watermelon

Popsicles. One ride I did had a chocolate fondue.
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...8506c69f77.jpg

I was at a SAG stop during the second day of a two day right. I was hungry and tired... and then this happened.

They were making home made PB&J sandwiches and they also had oatmeal raisin cookies. But they had the peanut butter out with a knife, strawberry preserves with a knife and a pile of those oatmeal cookies. I had an epiphany and made a PB & Preserves sandwich with the oatmeal cookies. It was the best thing I've ever eaten at an organized event. Some 16 year-old kid saw me do that and he copied. He had a big happy grin on his face when he ate it. We both laughed without saying anything to each other.

Boiled new potatoes, tossed with olive oil and salt, served room temp. Simple, tasty, easily digested.

If the weather is a bit on the cooler side a good thick hot soup is very nice.
Obviously not for those that are in a hurry.

Banana and Nutella sandwiches.

Beat me to it. There is a big ride around my way that serves them plain with bottled Italian dressing on the side for dipping. Also salt shakers. I also saw olive oil on the side at another ride.

IIRC, potatoes have a high glycemic index, so they are a good pick me up. And they are so tasty served as mentioned.

I'd forgotten potatoes. Had them on a ride once and they really hit the spot. Probably could serve them cold for a summer ride.

Nutella calzones.. Can make and bake in advance -- you'll just need to keep warm
eg. one random recipe
https://www.tastemade.com/videos/str...ella-calzones/

Is the ride going through or near any communities that specialize in some particular agricultural food product? Maybe try and showcase those in some sort of quick treat that's high in carbs, low in fat.

At least for me, fats seem to kill my ability to ride hard for about 45 minutes to an hour after I've eaten any fatty food. Greasy fried chicken being one of the worst for robbing my will to push hard.

small 1/2 subs or smaller?
- turkey lettuce tomato mayonnaise
- peanut butter & apple

skip the chili & beer ;-)

oh wait I just re-read the post, 300-1,000? yikes, I got nuthin, sorry, my bad

We served pie- large pans cut into small squares served on paper muffin liners.

At the Tulsa Tough ride this past summer they enlisted some local food trucks and restaurants. A German restaurant had brats and beer. A Mexican restaurant brought tamales. Neither one sounded good to me on a very hot day, but my brother-in-law had both. I ran out of steam, but he didn't. Next year I'll take what's on offer.

Let me know. 10 miles down the road I'll set up a Pay Toilet. I'll make a fortune! :lol:

You need to think catering, buffet... or something packaged but still kind of premium. I absolutely think espresso would be nice, but think about how long it would take to pull that many shots, and people will be arriving in packs.

My proposal is a cooler full of It's-It sandwiches... which might be regional, not sure, I never saw them until moving to Sacramento

Espresso shots would be appreciated as well as iced coffee. Nothing greasy like BBQ, sliders or cooked meat products. I always appreciate PB&Js, a little pickle juice, fruits, fig bars and cold water. Alot of rides have energy bars but they are mostly just processed trash... In short a little caffeine a small snack and honest food.