It seems that the world has become infatuated with being some sort of gourmet chef. Critiquing meals to the nth degree. This doesn’t have enough salt, too much pepper, the cumin is overpowering…..and on and on. It’s as though we act as if Gordon Ramsay is over our shoulders cursing us out over every last detail.
I completely understand the mindset. I remember as an early teen being engrossed with “Good Eats” with Alton Brown, and whatever other cooking shows were on the early Food Network channel. I love making a great tasting dish, and I love seeing friends and family being comforted by a great dish. My issue on this subject though comes in when all this minutia gets sucked into riding, camping, and traveling. While the two can be combined (riding & food), why do we feel the need to complicate
I feel like folks have the Instagram mindset that their picture has to portray their life as so much better than someone else’s. My dish is better than yours, ergo my ride trip is better than yours……I WIN! Sadly this is such bullshit and only detracts from the real reasons for getting out, riding, and being one with the elements.
I may be a bit of a simpleton at times when it comes to camping, but in the day of having 8000 different, crappy, overly bitter IPA’s to choose from, it seems we forget that the cheapest beer may be the most refreshing after a long ride. No it may not be glamorous to serve yourself or a guest a High Life, but give it a try some time…..it may surprise you.
Same goes for a post ride meal. It doesn’t have to be fancy, and chances are if you’re riding in the continental USA, you likely will have stopped for fuel recent enough to also stock up on an evenings meal. So below is a simple meal for you to give a go. Nothing fancy, but it’ll go a long way and allow you the time to focus on what matters, and that’s spending time Out There (wherever that may be), and if you’re riding with a friend, lover, or enemy…..get to know them more with conversation not related to “can you taste the safron infused rice?”
Keep it simple: Canned Ravioli, Beer, and a morning coffee alternative can easily suffice.
Enjoy the ride folks & keep it simple!
-Andrew
