Lunch break (what to eat at lunch) during long ride?

So I assume you have the energy bars for on the road and we are only talking lunch break. Any good organizer should have good cycling appropriate foods at the lunch break as a supplement to your energy bars. I see a problem with the pizza if it is too cheesy. That kind of high fat content can be a real drain on energy as your digestive system works to process it. That would be best saved for dinner. It would be good to get some protein in mid-day, so PB&J, hummus, turkey or chicken can fit the bill. Key of course is not to eat too much or rest too long. I'd carry a plastic bag to stuff some food in and get back on the road after 10-15 minutes.

If it's longer than 45 minutes between rest stops, then munch on something you can carry. Energy gels become usable fuel the fastest. I've also used peanuts and Clif bars. Do eat at the rest stops. PB&J works just fine for me.

I remember some really good ride event food fests:

1. The cranberry and banana bread at several of the stops on the Seagull Century

2. Pie and ice cream at the last Seagull Century stop

3. The deviled eggs at the first Tarwheel Century stop

4. The feast at the end of the MS-150 ride in Maryland

5. The crab feast after the first night of the Chesapeake Bay Asthma Ride (no longer held)

6. The barbecue at the lunch stop in the Coast Guard City Century

7. Overdosing on margaritas in Key West after riding from Homestead

HTH

The best thing to do is load up on carbs the day before any long ride. I usually carry a banana and an apple and much on Good and Plenty as I ride. Pizza sounds good for lunch but don't over do it. I'll take G&P over a energy bar any day they only contain sugar and carb's with a little protein and is easier to digest.

White

A good deli sandwich, chips and drink. I usually just do a fruit smoothie if I stop at all. I usually just do a couple of GU gels along the way, with an energy drink in my bottles. But eat a good pasta or rice dinner the night before, and the night between.

Soccerref

I did a couple of hot dogs with chilly and baked beans last time and that didn't work very well. Try the carbs for dinner, sandwiches may be ok and try a bar every 45 minutes.