Freeze-dried meals on a bike trip, worth it?

[keylan]

Hi all,

I’m planning a few days out on the bike and thinking about taking some freeze dried food with me. Looks handy, light, long shelf life, just add hot water, but I’m not sure how it holds up in real life. Anyone used it on longer rides? How’s it taste, and is it practical on the move?
Also, I’m using a Zumo for route planning, so would be good to hear how you lot handle meal breaks and timing when you’re self-sufficient out there.

Cheers for any tips!

[Mzokk]

Only you can answer that!! If I'm doing a trip now and (rarely) camping I don't carry dried food. I usually try to get a decent lunch on the road and a few snacks (and maybe a couple of beers) for the evening. I usually buy a couple of bags of mixed fruit and nuts for breakfast (if I can't get it nearby) and carry a tea bags. I don't carry milk but pocket the little 10ml milk cartons or sachets wherever I have lunch.....I keep those in my empty wide neck drinking bottle in case of spillages. You can start collecting those long before your trip as they last for ages.

I have cooked proper meals when I'm away just gather the stuff at the garage nearest the campsite on your way.

If you are tempted to use dried food just buy it in the supermarket. Its much cheaper than the "expedition" type stuff and you won't need the calories the backpacking meals usually provide if you are sitting on your backside on a motorbike (unless you are doing loads of offroad).

Just my 2p worth.