Cycling Foodie

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I was all packed up and ready to hit the gym this morning, but as soon as I walked outside, I knew I had to be outside and not cooped up inside at the gym!

Morning Walk in Davis

I don't know. I just really like this picture ...

... and this one, too.

Today would have been an ideal day to ride. I wish I could have! I hope to get at least a little riding in this weekend, but life is a little crazy right now and I’ve got some family stuff I need to take care of. If nothing else, I’ll be dreaming of cycling. If you ride this weekend, could you please ride a few miles for me, too?

Time to get back to cooking dinner (Irish Cheddar Ravioli with pesto, with broccolini, crimini mushrooms, and artichoke hearts.

I’ve got a loaf of Banocha Oat Bread in the oven – I’ve been promising to bake something for work, so this is for tomorrow!

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This was a Klein kind of day.

This  morning started out with a quick ride in Davis. I got about 20 miles in and got home before the winds picked up too much, but they definitely added a little work to my ride. I planned it so that I did get a lovely tailwind on the way home, so it was well worth it.

Today I got to hike with a friend at Skyline Wilderness Park in Napa, California. It was a perfect day for a hike – loads of sunshine, clean air, and just a hint of chill in the air that warmed quickly as we worked our way up to Lake Marie. After hiking, a home cooked dinner at a friend’s in the hills of Napa.

I think this was a pretty good way to spend the last Saturday of my vacation. Hiking will be great cross training for my Napa Valley Tour de Cure! Please consider sponsoring my ride – proceeds benefit the American Diabetes Association.

On our way up to the lake.

Lake Marie

The rules ...

Hmm ... perhaps a group picnic next time?

I hope you had a wonderful Saturday and got to enjoy some great time with family and friends.

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It is a beautiful, blustery, chilly morning in Davis. The air quality in Davis is much better this morning – so thankful! I got in a quick 20-mile ride this morning and will be hiking later with a friend. Have a great day – I hope you get to enjoy some fun exercise today!

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Today’s ride was just a quick 21-mile easy ride. It’s been a while since I’ve done a longer ride, so I really felt yesterday’s ride this morning. That’s OK. I’ve got lots of chores to do at home, so that will keep me busy enough. However … it is a beautiful and unseasonably warm day out there in Davis today, so I will certainly have to find some excuse to get out and about again soon. But first … a snack.

This smoothie is luscious and refreshing. It’s a perfect post-ride or workout recovery snack – rich with flavor, but low in calories and loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.  The whey protein is great for muscle recovery. For more information on the benefits of whey protein, click here.

Getting Ready To Blend ...

Emerald Paradise Smoothie

1 cup frozen raspberries
3/4 cup frozen mango chunks
3/4 cup frozen pineapple chunks
1 to 2 scoops vanilla whey protein
2-3 big handfuls of Tuscan kale
1 to 2 cups of filtered water

Place frozen fruit, protein powder, kale, and water in a large capacity blender and blend until smooth. For a thicker smoothie, add ice.

Makes about 7-8 cups.

Getting Ready to Enjoy!

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We had a lovely cloud cover in Davis this morning. It was a little chilly, but well worth bundling up to ride in some cleaner air.

I grabbed just a quick 21 mile ride and now am ready to start on some home stuff … but first …

Organic Tuscan Kale, Mango, Cherries, Green Grapes, and Whey Protein.

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Here’s wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas! I hope you have the chance to get a good ride in today. This is the first Christmas in years that I will not ride and I am quite sad about that. I am just thankful to at least get a nice walk in this morning. 

Mt. St. Helena, view from Santa Rosa.

Mt. St. Helena, view from Santa Rosa.

This Christmas morning brings with it a stunningly beautiful day in Santa Rosa. I wish I had my bike with me!! The morning was chilly to start, but it has warmed up very nicely. The air is a bit better here than in Davis of late. We are having “Spare the Air Days” in Northern California right now and this has been a source of great upset for many who feel that it is wrong to restrict the tradition of a blazing fire in the fireplace during the holidays. While I certainly can understand that, and do miss having a big roaring fire on a chilly night, I can also understand the importance of clean air for everyone’s health. So, thank you to everyone who is honoring the Spare the Air Days. It does make a difference.

Lovely morning light and shadows

Nature's Christmas Lights

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The air quality in Davis was very poor today. I was so disappointed – I wanted to ride! Alas, it was a trip to the gym and a bunch more errands for me today. I picked up a new laptop today, so that eliminates one no blogging excuse.

I can hardly believe it is almost Christmas. Seriously! Where has this year gone?

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It’s a beautiful, crisp Fall morning in Davis and will be a great day for a girls’ ride. I’ll be heading out soon to meet my friend for a spin.

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Tuscan Kale, kiwi, pineapple, peaches, strawberries, raspberries, and a touch of whey protein. If you haven’t tried a green smoothie yet, this one will convert you.

A great way to start your day.

The past few days have been stunningly beautiful in Davis and the weekend weather forecast looks promising. Here’s hoping you get some great cycling in this 3-day weekend!

As you’re enjoying your Monday off, please remember why we get to celebrate Veterans’ Day on Monday and pause to honor and remember our troops who have made so many sacrifices for all of us.