Have I missed my calling? Should I have become a professional taste-tester?

There are so many different things that might make good \”ride food\”. I like to try them before using them on a long ride.

About a month ago I got the Honey Stinger Waffle Variety Sampler. Two each of seven flavors. One taste-test each day for a week.

I tried the Gingersnap flavor first, and liked it. That morning the weather was looking very uncertain, and I \”rode\” in the trainer for a while instead of going out. I wanted a bit of a snack, and had no bananas on hand, so I went for the Honey Stinger instead.

The next morning I tried out Honey Stinger Strawberry. It\’s OK, but I like the Gingersnap flavor better.

Day 3: overcast, wind quite strong, and hanging fire wondering when Tropical Storm Barry\’s effects will really make themselves felt. Tried the Chocolate flavor before doing a 25-minute \”ride\” in the trainer. The trouble with me is, I subconsciously expect anything chocolate-flavored to be like a chocolate bar! This wasn\’t, but it was OK.

Day 4: at 7:30 am, still hanging fire. Wind 22 mph, but forecast to strengthen shortly. Tried the Caramel Honey Stinger waffle. Pretty good, but I like Gingersnap better.

Day 5: Barry seems to have bypassed New Orleans, but heavy rain is still possible. Another \”ride\” in the trainer [GROAN!!!] Today\’s Honey Stinger flavor [drumroll, please]: Honey! Another good one, but Gingersnap is still leading.

Day 6: Lemon flavor. I\’d rank it about the same as Strawberry.

And last, Day 7: Vanilla. Another good one.

My ratings, best first: Gingersnap; Vanilla; Strawberry/Lemon (tie); Honey; Caramel; Chocolate.

And I still feel like I\’ve missed my calling!