Life In The Saddle

If tasked to select one true super-fuel, I would undoubtedly pick the humble oat. The ancient wholegrain has fuelled more rides and more adventures than I can possibly count. Whether in the form of porridge, muesli, flapjack, or oatcakes; oats really are the ultimate endurance fuel. In Praise of Porridge When I think back to past challenges, there is one common factor... porridge. It was porridge I ate at 4am when I started the 'St Boniface Down Everesting' . Porridge was my fuel of choice at midnight, in the pouring rain, midway through the 300-mile Trafalgar Way ride . Even in the south of France, on the final day of the #7Countries7Passes , it was porridge that kick-started the epic ride. Porridge is the without question the king of breakfasts. Wholegrain oats are the key to porridge's 'super-fuel' status. Oats are high in soluble fibre, which helps fill you up and release energy slowly. They are also rich in vitamins and minerals, and they are a sourc...

Breakfast is my favourite meal of the day. It holds purpose – to fuel up for the challenges that lie ahead. It also holds excitement and reward for getting out there and trying something new. My favourite breakfasts are not those at the hotel buffet, or indeed a 'Full English'; rather they are ones composed of simple ingredients, accompanied by good coffee, and served with a stunning outdoor backdrop. These breakfasts, often enjoyed when wild camping and adventuring, are the ones that remain in my memory as special starts to special days. In this post, I look at three of my favourite ' Wild Breakfasts ' – with recipes, cooking guidance, and of course coffee recommendations. (1) Soaked Muesli Porridge Using quality muesli to make your porridge is a great cheat to provide a beautifully textured and flavoursome porridge. I use an organic muesli that contains seeds, raisins, and a mixture of different oats and grains – such as the Nairn's Organic Muesli ;...