Cycling Foodie

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Finally ... some much needed rain in Davis!

Oooh, it’s feeling like soup weather! Minestrone, anyone?

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Sunrise in Davis this morning.

I think it is going to be a warm one today!

Daylight hours are getting noticeably longer. It’s almost light enough in the morning to grab a quick ride before work. Yes!

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Along the bike trail ...

Yesterday was an absolutely glorious day for outdoor activities. I saw dozens of cyclists on the trails, but I did not have a bike with me. I did, however, have a camera and I was at least able to get out for a couple of nice walks and enjoy some lovely scenery.

Hot air balloons are a common sight in Northern California Wine Country, and they were out yesterday morning. It was a calm, sunny, but chilly morning. Maybe someday I’ll try a Hot Air Balloon adventure …

Balloons Over Wine Country

Coming down for a vineyard peek ...

heading back up ... and now closer ...

The wires! Watch out for the wires!

A lovely pop of green in the vineyards!

Looking North towards Healdsburg

This photo doesn't quite capture the way the sunlight made this horse's coat glisten. I should show this to my hair guy!

Well, I am back in Davis today with a huge to-do list so I had better get to it!

Blog. Ride. Chores. A little work catch up. More chores. Get caught up on some recipe stuff.

I have to get some longer rides in very soon. The 2014 Napa Valley Tour de Cure will be here before you know it! This will be my 6th Napa Valley Tour de Cure – if you would like to donate to my ride, please click here. I am far from reaching my goal this year, so please consider making a donation. It’s a great cause and every bit helps!

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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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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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I keep meaning to get back to the gym before work, but with mornings as beautiful as this, it seems wrong to be cooped up inside. I’d rather be out enjoying the cool, crisp, fresh fall air.

Good Morning Sunshine!

Rains will (hopefully) start soon, so I will enjoy mornings like this while I can. What a difference a little fresh air can make!