This was a nonstop weekend, but what better way to celebrate my birthday.
Celebrating began on Friday with the out of town guests pre-wedding dinner at Thom and Jeff's. Though they couldn't make it legal, my friends decided to go ahead and affirm their love and commitment to each other and they enlisted Jerry and me to prepare dinner the night before their wedding.
A couple of weeks ago, Thom and I got together to discuss the menu, and we decided on things that he and Jeff would like, but would be easy buffet food.
This is how the menu ended up:
Cold poached salmon with sour cream dill sauce
spanakopita triangles
cold pasta with pesto and artichoke hearts
roasted asparagus
roasted potatoes
toffee and butterscotch bars
Everything came out beautifully and Thom's friends were pleased and impressed. Jerry and I really worked well together to make this a great meal. I did the spanakopita triangles earlier and froze them unbaked, and made the toffee bars a couple of days ahead. We bought gorgeous wild salmon fillets that morning.
The trickiest part of the whole meal was transferring these beautiful, large salmon fillets to a platter without breaking them. We had three spatulas, and as gently as we could, we slid the salmon over. We were successful, mostly. One fillet got slightly damaged, but we pieced it back together pretty well.
On Saturday, Thom and Jeff got married at the Cliff House. As we rode across the Golden Gate Bridge into the city, we could see the fog lifting and knew they would have a perfect day.
The wedding was on a patio that overlooked the ocean. The weather was perfect, the guys looked handsome in their matching linen suits and their mothers sat together, proud of their sons.
Friends of theirs sang their song, "Happy Together." I'd forgotten what a great song that is. In addition, another friend, who is a professional singer sang a couple of songs and there were readings. Thom and Jeff exchanged leis and rings. They are both known for being prolific tweeters and Facebook posters, and while they didn't do any posting during the ceremony, the officiant encouraged the attendees to "tweet away," and several did.
The ceremony was followed by lunch. There were three choices, and Jerry and I had salmon, again. It was quite good, though if I may toot my own horn, I thought the salmon I made was moister and more flavorful. The herbed potenta that accompanied the salmon was very nice-- on the soft side and the accompanying vegetables were also okay. Not great, but okay.
Since Thom and Jeff are very into the 50s and Tiki Bars, the cake and decorations reflected the theme. It was a fun, joyful atmosphere. Jerry and I opted to steer clear of the fruity drinks, but I must admit we overindulged in the red wine. Not enough to get drunk, but more than we'd usually drink on a Saturday afternoon.
We felt the overindulgence only slightly on our ride today. Today was the AIDS Lifecycle thank you ride. For the second year running, it has fallen on my birthday, and I like to think of it as my birthday party. We did a short ride to Mill Valley, then headed back to Crissy Field for a barbecue. It was great to see old friends and talk to some new riders.
Jerry felt a little bonky going up Sausalito Hill, but we still made very good time. Not bad for a couple of old farts who drank too much wind and didn't eat dinner the day before.
Tonight, to finish the celebration, we're going to a movie and will have one of our favorite dinners-- popcorn.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Monday, September 21, 2009
A Discombobulated Ride. And Ice Cream
Yesterday's 60 mile ride was, well, how shall we say, a little odd. Not that the ride was odd, but what happened even before we started kind of set the tone for the day.
This was a Seismic Challenge training ride. Deyon, who is a great leader, was in charge, and she and another ride leader took us through the route, exercises and the safety speech. Just as we were finishing, two riders showed up, clearly not ready to ride. They were too late to be "official," but that didn't stop them from getting Deyon to help them change a tire, and basically, get their bikes ready to ride. Now mind you, Seismic Challenge is in just a couple of weeks, and by now, these riders really should know how to change a tire.
Deyon, being who she is, stayed behind to get them ready to ride, despite them not really being officially on the ride due to their tardiness.
The rest of us rode out on the usual route to Fairfax. I'm happy to say that for the first time in weeks, I didn't get lightheaded and a little nauseated on the way up Camino Alto. It only proves that my head was ruling my sweat glands and stomach. We rode up at a pretty good pace and got to Fairfax and headed to Fat Angel for a bathroom and muffin break.
At Fairfax, Mary, another TRL reported that one of the tardy riders had almost crashed, and she wasn't sure if he was going to continue, and she was going to go back to see what was going on.
Turns out they didn't continue, but this was only part of the story. The troubled rider was riding very erratically, almost crashed, and on top of it all, he had a radio strapped to his handlebars and had it on. All very big no-nos for an official ride, and pretty much a no-no in general, particularly for a guy who is not a very good rider.
Deyon finally caught up to us and we continued on to Nicasio. White's Hill had its usual difficulties. We did make one stop to rest our behinds but got up it at a pretty good clip. We sailed down the other side hitting a top speed just over 40 mph. We do fly down those hills! I really dreaded climbing Nicasio Valley Road, but that, too was more mind than matter. It has its moments, but it really wasn't that bad. After a short Portapotty break at Rancho Nicasio, we headed to Pt. Reyes Station.
With the Underachiever Rider no longer with us, this leg of the ride was pretty good. We all got to Pt. Reyes at around the same time and had a nice lunch under some trees. We climbed back on the bikes to head back.
Temperatures had climbed significantly during the ride, so I did get a little concerned. I tend not to sweat very much and I can get really overheated, but many of my sweat glands seemed to be cooperating and did okay.
The route back takes us through Samuel Taylor Park, and the entrance is easy to miss, as is the turn to head to the park. If you go straight, you end up at Stinson Beach. Which is exactly what one rider, Dinesh, did. This caused Deyon more angst and kept her on her IPhone more than she would have liked. But she did get hold of Dinesh and he figured out how to get back to Sausalito.
I don't know the Stinson route, but one thing Dinesh missed was Olema Hill. Not a steep climb but a very loooong one. It did seem to go on forever and when we finally finished it, we got to do some coasting, which felt great.
When we got to Fairfax, Jerry and I both had sore bottoms and decided we needed a break. There's a little ice cream shop that makes a handful of flavors and they had two of my favorites-- coffee and rum raisin. It brought back some very old memories of my days in Helena, Montana. When they first started carrying Haagen Daz it was a big deal, and I'd buy two containers-- one coffee, one rum raising and would manage to finish them both in a matter of days. Fortunately I didn't do that too often.
We sat on a bench and I ate my coffee and rum raisin and Jerry had a dish of cookies and cream. Other riders went ahead because they were going to stop at Peets.
Ice cream finished, we got back on the tandem and headed back. The last climb, Camino Alto was more uncomfortable than difficult. Once again, I'm having saddle issues. I had hoped the Selle San Marino was the answer, but I think I'm going to go back to the Specialized Jett.
When we got back, we saw on the sign out sheet that Dinesh had returned, along with a couple of other riders. I'm sure Deyon was relieved to see Dinesh's signature on the sheet when she returned as well.
At home I took a tepid shower, then hit the quads with a roller to try to break up the lactic acid. I really felt my quads working on this ride.
Jerry whipped up a large pot of beans and rice with some chicken sausage tossed in. A good after ride recovery meal, I think, though it's an area I want to do more research in.
Next week is a very short ride and I'm kind of looking forward to fewer miles.
This was a Seismic Challenge training ride. Deyon, who is a great leader, was in charge, and she and another ride leader took us through the route, exercises and the safety speech. Just as we were finishing, two riders showed up, clearly not ready to ride. They were too late to be "official," but that didn't stop them from getting Deyon to help them change a tire, and basically, get their bikes ready to ride. Now mind you, Seismic Challenge is in just a couple of weeks, and by now, these riders really should know how to change a tire.
Deyon, being who she is, stayed behind to get them ready to ride, despite them not really being officially on the ride due to their tardiness.
The rest of us rode out on the usual route to Fairfax. I'm happy to say that for the first time in weeks, I didn't get lightheaded and a little nauseated on the way up Camino Alto. It only proves that my head was ruling my sweat glands and stomach. We rode up at a pretty good pace and got to Fairfax and headed to Fat Angel for a bathroom and muffin break.
At Fairfax, Mary, another TRL reported that one of the tardy riders had almost crashed, and she wasn't sure if he was going to continue, and she was going to go back to see what was going on.
Turns out they didn't continue, but this was only part of the story. The troubled rider was riding very erratically, almost crashed, and on top of it all, he had a radio strapped to his handlebars and had it on. All very big no-nos for an official ride, and pretty much a no-no in general, particularly for a guy who is not a very good rider.
Deyon finally caught up to us and we continued on to Nicasio. White's Hill had its usual difficulties. We did make one stop to rest our behinds but got up it at a pretty good clip. We sailed down the other side hitting a top speed just over 40 mph. We do fly down those hills! I really dreaded climbing Nicasio Valley Road, but that, too was more mind than matter. It has its moments, but it really wasn't that bad. After a short Portapotty break at Rancho Nicasio, we headed to Pt. Reyes Station.
With the Underachiever Rider no longer with us, this leg of the ride was pretty good. We all got to Pt. Reyes at around the same time and had a nice lunch under some trees. We climbed back on the bikes to head back.
Temperatures had climbed significantly during the ride, so I did get a little concerned. I tend not to sweat very much and I can get really overheated, but many of my sweat glands seemed to be cooperating and did okay.
The route back takes us through Samuel Taylor Park, and the entrance is easy to miss, as is the turn to head to the park. If you go straight, you end up at Stinson Beach. Which is exactly what one rider, Dinesh, did. This caused Deyon more angst and kept her on her IPhone more than she would have liked. But she did get hold of Dinesh and he figured out how to get back to Sausalito.
I don't know the Stinson route, but one thing Dinesh missed was Olema Hill. Not a steep climb but a very loooong one. It did seem to go on forever and when we finally finished it, we got to do some coasting, which felt great.
When we got to Fairfax, Jerry and I both had sore bottoms and decided we needed a break. There's a little ice cream shop that makes a handful of flavors and they had two of my favorites-- coffee and rum raisin. It brought back some very old memories of my days in Helena, Montana. When they first started carrying Haagen Daz it was a big deal, and I'd buy two containers-- one coffee, one rum raising and would manage to finish them both in a matter of days. Fortunately I didn't do that too often.
We sat on a bench and I ate my coffee and rum raisin and Jerry had a dish of cookies and cream. Other riders went ahead because they were going to stop at Peets.
Ice cream finished, we got back on the tandem and headed back. The last climb, Camino Alto was more uncomfortable than difficult. Once again, I'm having saddle issues. I had hoped the Selle San Marino was the answer, but I think I'm going to go back to the Specialized Jett.
When we got back, we saw on the sign out sheet that Dinesh had returned, along with a couple of other riders. I'm sure Deyon was relieved to see Dinesh's signature on the sheet when she returned as well.
At home I took a tepid shower, then hit the quads with a roller to try to break up the lactic acid. I really felt my quads working on this ride.
Jerry whipped up a large pot of beans and rice with some chicken sausage tossed in. A good after ride recovery meal, I think, though it's an area I want to do more research in.
Next week is a very short ride and I'm kind of looking forward to fewer miles.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Birds, Cows and Spanakopita
A couple times a year, our friend John Hershey sponsors a ride that leaves from his and Ted's house in Bodega Bay, with a mandatory stop at Wildflour Bakery. After the ride, there is a potluck at his house.
And it seems that no matter when he schedules this ride, it rains, and this past Sunday was no exception. Jerry and I cut the ride short, so didn't get caught in the downpour that some of the other riders experienced. We skipped the big climb that even without rain, I wasn't up for doing.
The ride was short but nice. Jerry and I continue to pick up speed on the tandem. The ride had lots of rolling hills, some steeper than others, with a very steep climb right before returning to John's. It really took our average speed down, but we still did pretty well for a couple of old geezers on a tandem.
Ted was glad to see us return a little early because he wasn't sure if it was time to take the spanakopita I had made out of the oven. I looked at it, and indeed it was at the perfect golden brown it should be, and out it came. I had put the dish together the day before and froze it. It was part of a spanakopita triangle frenzy I was working on. I am catering the out of town guest dinner for friends who are getting married on Sept. 26 and I made about 100 spanakopita triangles to serve at that Friday night dinner. I plan to have cold poached salmon with dill sauce, marinated green beans, pasta and pesto and I'm not quite sure what else at this point. But knowing how long the spanakopita can take, I wanted to get it out of the way and frozen. With that done, the rest won't take long.
The potluck at John's was lovely. Lots of good food and great people. John had put his photos from this past year's ALC ride on a disk with music, and we watched that while we ate. He and Ted had two house guests and they made two lovely gallettes-- one with pears and one with plums. The crust was a pate sucre that was delicious-- almost like a butter cookie. I need to make one soon. I want to try one without peeling pears. I figure if I slice than thinly, leaving the peel on should work. We'll see. I really hate to peel fruit. I love the texture the peel gives, and I feel it's such a waste to not leave it on.
After the potluck we headed to Jerry's sister's house. His mom and her husband were there and we had a light dinner. That was fine, because we had certainly eaten enough at John's.
Jerry came home and we went out to lunch today, to a new place in the little shopping center near our home that houses Trader Joe's. The place, Cafe Trio, occupies a spot that has seen a succession of failed restaurants. I think part of it is location, though there is a Pasta Pomodoro at one end that seems to do fine. This nice little place is run by a Palestinian and Yemini, and their influence is seen on the menu. I had a wonderful asparagus lemon soup and felafel. The felafel is worth commenting on: it was cooked really nicely, not too long, which can sometimes result in the little garbanzo balls turning into hockey pucks. Also, the sauce was a light mint yogurt, with a dollop of hummus on the plate itself. So often, the sauce on a felafel can soak through the pita, making it difficult and messy to eat. That was definitely not the case. It was delicious and reasonably priced, and to top it all off, the coffee was very good. I think Jerry and I will be returning.
I just started working a few hours a week at Sur La Table, a cooking supply store. I have to wait to see if I am scheduled for Sunday. If I'm not, Jerry and I will be riding once again to Pt. Reyes. If I'm scheduled to work, he'll make the trip out there on his single, and he'll get to ride with the Big Boys.
And it seems that no matter when he schedules this ride, it rains, and this past Sunday was no exception. Jerry and I cut the ride short, so didn't get caught in the downpour that some of the other riders experienced. We skipped the big climb that even without rain, I wasn't up for doing.
The ride was short but nice. Jerry and I continue to pick up speed on the tandem. The ride had lots of rolling hills, some steeper than others, with a very steep climb right before returning to John's. It really took our average speed down, but we still did pretty well for a couple of old geezers on a tandem.
Ted was glad to see us return a little early because he wasn't sure if it was time to take the spanakopita I had made out of the oven. I looked at it, and indeed it was at the perfect golden brown it should be, and out it came. I had put the dish together the day before and froze it. It was part of a spanakopita triangle frenzy I was working on. I am catering the out of town guest dinner for friends who are getting married on Sept. 26 and I made about 100 spanakopita triangles to serve at that Friday night dinner. I plan to have cold poached salmon with dill sauce, marinated green beans, pasta and pesto and I'm not quite sure what else at this point. But knowing how long the spanakopita can take, I wanted to get it out of the way and frozen. With that done, the rest won't take long.
The potluck at John's was lovely. Lots of good food and great people. John had put his photos from this past year's ALC ride on a disk with music, and we watched that while we ate. He and Ted had two house guests and they made two lovely gallettes-- one with pears and one with plums. The crust was a pate sucre that was delicious-- almost like a butter cookie. I need to make one soon. I want to try one without peeling pears. I figure if I slice than thinly, leaving the peel on should work. We'll see. I really hate to peel fruit. I love the texture the peel gives, and I feel it's such a waste to not leave it on.
After the potluck we headed to Jerry's sister's house. His mom and her husband were there and we had a light dinner. That was fine, because we had certainly eaten enough at John's.
Jerry came home and we went out to lunch today, to a new place in the little shopping center near our home that houses Trader Joe's. The place, Cafe Trio, occupies a spot that has seen a succession of failed restaurants. I think part of it is location, though there is a Pasta Pomodoro at one end that seems to do fine. This nice little place is run by a Palestinian and Yemini, and their influence is seen on the menu. I had a wonderful asparagus lemon soup and felafel. The felafel is worth commenting on: it was cooked really nicely, not too long, which can sometimes result in the little garbanzo balls turning into hockey pucks. Also, the sauce was a light mint yogurt, with a dollop of hummus on the plate itself. So often, the sauce on a felafel can soak through the pita, making it difficult and messy to eat. That was definitely not the case. It was delicious and reasonably priced, and to top it all off, the coffee was very good. I think Jerry and I will be returning.
I just started working a few hours a week at Sur La Table, a cooking supply store. I have to wait to see if I am scheduled for Sunday. If I'm not, Jerry and I will be riding once again to Pt. Reyes. If I'm scheduled to work, he'll make the trip out there on his single, and he'll get to ride with the Big Boys.
Monday, September 7, 2009
Fruit Cobbler and Bees in Pt. Reyes
Yesterday, Jerry and I joined a small group of riders for the longest ride we have taken in some time. We did a 60-miler from Mike's Bikes in Sausalito out to Pt. Reyes. Beau, a Pos Ped, had organized the ride, and last minute he got eight cancellations, but six of us rode out and it was a great little group.
For some reason, for the last couple of times we have climbed Camino Alto, around half way up I start getting queasy. I think it's just nerves and anticipation of something much worse than it is. I never get these feeling when climbing tougher hills; I think it's because it comes right at the beginning of a ride, I'm not warmed up and again, the anticipation is worse than the reality.
But once we were sailing down the other side, all was right with the world and we pedaled on. After a brief stop in Fairfax to share a muffin with Jerry, we tackled White's Hill. We were slow but steady and it felt just fine.
We were doing the counter-clockwise route to Pt. Reyes, which is my favorite way to go. For some reason, I hate climbing Nicasio Valley Road right after White's Hill, and counter-clockwise takes us through Lagunitas and through Samuel Taylor Park, with its magic bike path. I swear, that path is downhill no matter which way you are going. I love it. I also love the beautiful trees and greenery that surrounds you as you ride that path. On a hot day it is welcome, and on a lovely, breezy day like yesterday, it was simply beautiful to look at.
After the park, we headed up Olema Hill. We hadn't ridden up that hill in a couple of years, and while it was no picnic, without the construction of a couple of years ago, it wasn't bad at all. From there Pt. Reyes Station was just around the corner.
Secret plans were in the work at Pt. Reyes Station. Grady, another Pos Ped who was supposed to join us yesterday but was running a fever, had ordered a fruit cobbler in celebration of Beau's birthday, which was Saturday. Shawn and Mark sneaked off to Cowgirl Creamery to pick it up. They had even gotten "gay" (rainbow) candles. Though it was too windy to light them, Beau, happily surprised, pretended to blow them out, and we dug in. The cobbler was huge, but we managed to devour almost the whole thing. We shared it with some other cyclists who were perched on the ledge with us, eating lunch.
The cobbler was delicious. Very simple, with a few late summer fruits-- berries and pears mostly-- in a very light sauce not overly sugared. The streusel on top was also not overly sweet and we all appreciated its crunch. It was just the way a cobbler should be.
There was no question I didn't need a second helping, but I had one anyway and was sorry once we rode out. Too much food in my stomach coupled with bike riding is not a happy combo for me.
We stopped at the local park which has rest rooms and for the first time, there were actually separate lines for the boys and girls. Usually, people just get in one line, and since the bathrooms are all single-seaters, the next in line just takes whatever is available. A couple of the guys I was riding with told me to get in line with them, but I felt that with all those other women waiting, it just wouldn't be fair, and I dutifully waited my turn in the longer line. I should have listened to the guys, because while I stood in the longer line a yellow jacket must have thought my calf looked delicious and he came for a little snack, and decided he should sting me before he left. It's been years since I've had a bee sting and I've forgotten they can really hurt! With no ice to numb the pain I just had to be stoic.
I'm convinced riding after a bee sting is good therapy. I figure that all that motion gets the blood, and in turn, the toxin, moving, so it's not concentrated in that one spot. Today it itches like crazy, but it's not really swollen, and it's just a tiny red dot.
The last 10 miles or so Jerry and I were riding with spaghetti legs. We were really worn out. Not bonky in the least, just muscle-tired and overworked. The last climb up Camino Alto seemed like it took forever, but once we were coasting down the other side we knew we were almost home. Getting off the saddle at Mike's never felt so good. My new Selle San Marco saddle is doing a pretty good job, but I'm convinced that no saddle, no matter how good, really does a good job after around 40 miles.
Next weekend is a 30-mile ride and a potluck afterwards. Sounds very good indeed.
For some reason, for the last couple of times we have climbed Camino Alto, around half way up I start getting queasy. I think it's just nerves and anticipation of something much worse than it is. I never get these feeling when climbing tougher hills; I think it's because it comes right at the beginning of a ride, I'm not warmed up and again, the anticipation is worse than the reality.
But once we were sailing down the other side, all was right with the world and we pedaled on. After a brief stop in Fairfax to share a muffin with Jerry, we tackled White's Hill. We were slow but steady and it felt just fine.
We were doing the counter-clockwise route to Pt. Reyes, which is my favorite way to go. For some reason, I hate climbing Nicasio Valley Road right after White's Hill, and counter-clockwise takes us through Lagunitas and through Samuel Taylor Park, with its magic bike path. I swear, that path is downhill no matter which way you are going. I love it. I also love the beautiful trees and greenery that surrounds you as you ride that path. On a hot day it is welcome, and on a lovely, breezy day like yesterday, it was simply beautiful to look at.
After the park, we headed up Olema Hill. We hadn't ridden up that hill in a couple of years, and while it was no picnic, without the construction of a couple of years ago, it wasn't bad at all. From there Pt. Reyes Station was just around the corner.
Secret plans were in the work at Pt. Reyes Station. Grady, another Pos Ped who was supposed to join us yesterday but was running a fever, had ordered a fruit cobbler in celebration of Beau's birthday, which was Saturday. Shawn and Mark sneaked off to Cowgirl Creamery to pick it up. They had even gotten "gay" (rainbow) candles. Though it was too windy to light them, Beau, happily surprised, pretended to blow them out, and we dug in. The cobbler was huge, but we managed to devour almost the whole thing. We shared it with some other cyclists who were perched on the ledge with us, eating lunch.
The cobbler was delicious. Very simple, with a few late summer fruits-- berries and pears mostly-- in a very light sauce not overly sugared. The streusel on top was also not overly sweet and we all appreciated its crunch. It was just the way a cobbler should be.
There was no question I didn't need a second helping, but I had one anyway and was sorry once we rode out. Too much food in my stomach coupled with bike riding is not a happy combo for me.
We stopped at the local park which has rest rooms and for the first time, there were actually separate lines for the boys and girls. Usually, people just get in one line, and since the bathrooms are all single-seaters, the next in line just takes whatever is available. A couple of the guys I was riding with told me to get in line with them, but I felt that with all those other women waiting, it just wouldn't be fair, and I dutifully waited my turn in the longer line. I should have listened to the guys, because while I stood in the longer line a yellow jacket must have thought my calf looked delicious and he came for a little snack, and decided he should sting me before he left. It's been years since I've had a bee sting and I've forgotten they can really hurt! With no ice to numb the pain I just had to be stoic.
I'm convinced riding after a bee sting is good therapy. I figure that all that motion gets the blood, and in turn, the toxin, moving, so it's not concentrated in that one spot. Today it itches like crazy, but it's not really swollen, and it's just a tiny red dot.
The last 10 miles or so Jerry and I were riding with spaghetti legs. We were really worn out. Not bonky in the least, just muscle-tired and overworked. The last climb up Camino Alto seemed like it took forever, but once we were coasting down the other side we knew we were almost home. Getting off the saddle at Mike's never felt so good. My new Selle San Marco saddle is doing a pretty good job, but I'm convinced that no saddle, no matter how good, really does a good job after around 40 miles.
Next weekend is a 30-mile ride and a potluck afterwards. Sounds very good indeed.
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