I'm jealous! It's so cold here I don't want to ride anymore...
Yes why not eat some REAL food before you go? Power/energy bars should only be used when you are in a bind and not as a daily meal. This is my humble opinion of course!
My go-tos are
Whole wheat bread, pita, etc with peanut butter + a drizzle of honey
Greek yogurt + fruit & nuts
Oatmeal with almond butter (I use old fashioned oats or steel cut oats)
Whole wheat pita & egg sandwich
Get in some whole grains and protein and your body will be thankful
Alison - mama of 2 (8yo and 6yo)
2009 Independent Fabrication steel Crown Jewel SE
1995 trek 800 steel MTV