Henrik Orre is a Norwegian chef who for several years was the head chef for Team Sky Pro Cycling. His previous books 'Vélochef' and 'Vélochef in Europe' are two of my favourite recipe books; both providing great insights into the nutrition behind a professional cycling team, and some fantastic ideas for performance enhancing (and incredibly tasty) dishes that you can try at home.
'Outside Is Free' delves into Henrik's new found passion... adventure cycling. With the rise of 'Gravel' bikes and 'back-and-beyond' touring, this book is packed full of simple recipes that could be made whilst camping out in the wild.
The focus of 'Outside Is Free' is less on the 'performance' side, and more on simple, wholesome, and satisfying natural nutrition. These are meals to begin and end 'epic' days in the wilderness; promising to bring warmth and comfort to far away places.
I have tried a selection of recipes from the new book, including the Apple Cake, Scones, Chicken Ramen and Chickpea Burgers. They have all been superb, and very easy to follow.
Good food doesn't have to be difficult, and 'Outside Is Free' is all about combining simple ingredients in easy recipes, to create amazing flavours in an outdoor kitchen.
Whether you are thinking of getting into bicycle touring or bikepacking and you are looking for meal ideas, or if you are simply a fan of quick and simple whole food recipes, then this is a great book to pick up. Beautifully illustrated, and with some captivating narratives to explain the story behind the book, this is a bookcase (or pannier bag) gem.
