June 17th, 2015
Food & Water
A note from the Chefs at TDA
During the South American Epic you will have the chance on rest days to experience many new foods. The local cuisine varies from country to country and even region to region. You will see in the culinary traditions a mixture of indigenous and European influences. Not only will the local food be a highlight but drinks such as Pisco, and the world class wines of Chile and Argentina are guaranteed to make you happy. Whether a quinoa soup in the highlands of Bolivia or a steak cooked to perfection in Argentina. Enjoy.
Camp Meals
Daily meals in our camps will be oriented towards meeting nutritional needs of riders who are exerting themselves beyond normal levels, but certainly taste is not forgotten. En route, we will source out as much variety of meats, vegetables, and fruits as possible. However, throughout the Tour there tends to be an ebb and flow to the fruits and vegetables available, as well as the quantities of them to be found. Do not expect all the fruit you can eat, and expect there to be many times when fresh salads are not possible. We try and create as much variety as possible, but expect to see the same meals from time to time. The Expedition passes through regions which are not blessed with successful agriculture, and where food choices we are accustomed to having at home, simply do not exist.
A few examples of camp Dinners previously served:
* Braised beef stew with green beans, carrots, onions, garlic and rice
* Beet salad, Tomato and cucumber salad
* Barbecued chicken with potato salad, and veggies
* Spaghetti bolognese
* Chili con carne
* Curried lentil stew and vegetables
* Soy and bean equivalents for vegetarians.
A few roadside Lunch examples:
* Tuna fish sandwiches
* Onion and tomato sandwiches
* Peanut butter and jam sandwiches
* Fresh fruits
A few camp Breakfast examples
* Oatmeal
* Muesli and Milk
* Breads, and spreads
* Hard boiled eggs
These above meals are what you should expect on the Expedition. We generally put limits on the amount of fruit each person receives to ensure that everyone gets some, but besides this the quantities of food (especially supper) will be enough to satisfy ferocious cycling appetites. If you have a food preference or dietary restrictions, the Expedition can be difficult at times, so we urge everyone to bring along vitamins or purchase snacks and other foods locally to compliment the meals to ensure you have a well-rounded diet.
Vegetarians
Vegetarians will have a separate main dish prepared for them each night (unless, naturally, there is no meat option that night). Many vegetarians worry about their protein intake on the Expedition. Having consulted with Sports Nutritionists/Vegetarians who have ridden with TDA in the past, we can say that there is enough protein available in the Vegetarian menu. The key is to eat. A lot!
Water Rations
During the South American Epic we will go through stretches where water becomes our most precious resource. Typically these areas are where we are bush camping often and experiencing hot temperatures. There should never be a shortage of drinking water. However, where water resources are limited, rations on using water for cleaning oneself (in bush camps) will take effect. At times this can mean that everyone is allowed 1 water bottle full to rinse themselves off. Other times we will need to keep all of our water for drinking and cooking, and so no water will be allocated for washing.
Rider Dish Duty
On the Expedition each rider will be responsible for helping with camp dishes. Each rider is assigned to a group, usually 2 riders, and they will be responsible for dinner dishes the day of their turn. So, on average, it will be each group’s turn every 15 riding days, approx.
Participation
5 1/2 months is a long time to be eating one person’s food – especially when cooking facilities are limited and preparation time is short. The best thing you can do to better your experience is to get involved. Organize a treat for the whole group, buy the chef a beer, do what needs to be done to keep yourself happy. This is not a “have-all” expedition- this is a mentally and physically challenging event and the best way to make sure it is a success is for us all to support each other.
Kaye's Awesome Adventures 