Cycling Foodie

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This is from a few weekends ago when we were having quite a heatwave in the Davis-area.

A day trip to the Coast. This was at Goat Rock Beach in Bodega Bay.

The air was fresh, clean, and cool. Aaaaaah …

I’ve been getting a bit of cycling in, but not as much as I’d like to. The air has been pretty smoky with the Cold Fire in Winters, and I’ve just plain been too busy with other stuff. One of these days I’ll be able to get back to cycling a lot and blogging.

But for now, off to work I go…

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So many zucchini … so many possibilities.

Zoodles … there’s a special gadget that will turn your zucchini (or summer squash) into “zoodles” … a low carb and delicious alternative to pasta.

My first recipe with these was a Shrimp Scampi with Zoodles …

Garlicky, fresh, light and healthy!

To make this, simply prepare your favorite scampi recipe and when the shrimp are about 3/4 of the way cooked, remove them from the pan and set aside (cover to keep warm). Add the zoodles to the pan, adding a splash of wine or lemon juice if needed, turn the heat to high and stir fry for a bit. You don’t want to overcook these, so remember to work quickly. Reduce the heat to medium, return the shrimp to the pan, give a good toss to distribute the ingredients evenly, then cover to warm through. You do not want to overcook this or the shrimp will become tough and the zoodles mushy.

And, of course, there’s always the classic Stuffed Zucchini!

Stuffed Zucchini

This recipe will have to follow later … I’ve got to get to work!

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This past year has really kicked me to the curb. Not enough cycling. Not enough foodie. Too much stress and drama and turmoil and heartbreak and loss. It’s hard to find words to talk about losing my mom. So, I won’t. The best tribute that I can pay to Mom is to live a good life. To be healthy. To be happy. To be resilient.

So, here’s looking forward to the second half of this year bringing good health and calm and peace and love and life.

Oh, and lots more cycling, and foodie, and hiking, and happiness.

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Yesterday I rode the rideATAXIA NorCal. We had a wonderful ride for a great cause, great company, friendly rest stops, lots of SAG vehicles on the route. It’s a well-supported ride followed by a big plate of ribs compliments of Outback Steak House. I eat ribs once or twice a year, and this is one of those times.

Post Ride Ribs … oh, so good.

However, I have to say that this year for me personally, even more exciting than the ribs is that I made it up and over Cantelow Road again without having to walk! It’s been a couple of years since I’ve taken on Cantelow Road and life has been sort of kicking me to the curb the past year or so, and all that has interfered with my cycling time, so I’m not in great climbing shape. I did have to stop one time near the top, but just for a few moments. My goal for the summer is to make it to the top without having to stop … better yet, perhaps I’ll even take on the shorter, steeper side again by the end of the summer. Who knows?!

Top of Cantelow … victory two days in a row.

I was so excited that I decided to try to tackle Cantelow again today! I still had to stop once, but, I made it to the top again. My Klein Reve is my climbing bike … I don’t care what anyone says, I love the triple for climbing.

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103.8 miles. It took me an uncharacteristically long time, but I finished.

At the start!

It was an amazing ride, as always. Here’s a shout out to all of the ADA staff and the hundreds of volunteers who make this THE best ride. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or just starting out, do yourself a favor and check out this ride.

Full post to come soon!

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Is TOMORROW Sunday, May 1st.

2016 marks the 25th anniversary of this ride and will be my 8th year riding this event. This ride is near and dear to me. It was the very first organized ride I ever rode and every year it just gets better.  If you’re looking to start cycling more, this is a great way to go. The volunteers are amazing. Every route has something gorgeous to offer every rider and there are routes for cyclists of every level. The SAG support is fantastic and the food is terrific.

Read more about it here.

P.S. Dear weather gods, please get all of your crazy winds over and done with today. I think I can speak for most of the riders on this one. We would really appreciate just a gentle, lovely breeze tomorrow and not these 26 mph winds with 40 mph gusts. K? Thanks in advance!

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When times get tough, the tough get to cooking. What’s better than super healthy comfort food?

Ono, curried cauliflower, greens & shiitake mushrooms.

Light. Healthy. Nutritious. Delicious!

Ono, also known as Wahoo, is lean and mild-flavored. You’ll want to be very careful to not overcook this fish.  I cooked mine in a little avocado oil with a grind or two of one of my favorite seasoning blends (use your favorite!). I quickly seared both sides then turned the heat to low, covered and cooked gently for a few minutes. You really don’t want to overcook this fish, so watch it closely.

The greens and mushrooms … not much to say except shiitake mushrooms are amazing.  Slice and cook them in a bit of avocado or olive oil on high heat. Sprinkle with a pinch or two of salt to taste. You’ll want to brown the mushrooms a bit, then put the clean greens (use your favorite blend of cooking greens) on top of the mushrooms, cover, reduce heat to low and allow to steam to your desired level of doneness. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

This batch of cauliflower I cut about a quarter of a large head into 1/4-inch thick slices and sauteed these in avocado oil on high heat. I wanted it to brown and caramelize a bit before adding the curry. I used a prepared curry powder (use your favorite!) and added just a bit of heat with some chili flakes. Turn the temperature down to low, cover, and allow to steam just a bit. I like my cauliflower very al dante, and not soft. Cook to your desired level of doneness.

This would be a terrific post-ride meal for a big ride like the Napa Valley Tour de Cure, don’t you think?

Enjoy in good health!

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I had to leave work a little early yesterday to meet PG&E at my house to investigate a gas leak. I just had a new dryer installed on Friday and … the installers didn’t do it right. I was very grateful that PG&E came out right away. I was even more grateful that he was able to resolve the issue in a time frame that allowed me to also grab a quick post-work ride.

All in all, I logged about 28 much needed miles total yesterday. A quick ride in the morning and about 1.5 hours after work. Not a fast ride, but a ride.

Here are a few pics from last night.

I’m glowing with delight! Have sunscreen, will ride.

Notice my Tour de Cure jersey? This from my very first Tour de Cure – when I rode with Team Golds from Vacaville.

I can hardly believe that the Napa Valley Tour de Cure is now less than 2 weeks away. I am not feeling ready at all this year. If you would like to support my ride, please make a donation here. This is an especially important Tour this year – it’s the 25th anniversary!

Must get ready! Spinning up and over a few rollers.

Moonrise.

No matter where the road takes us, as long as we’re together, I’ll be smiling.

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I’ve been off-line for a bit, moving (again!) but this time I hope it will be the last for a while. I am looking forward to cooking lots of lots of healthy and delicious meals in my new kitchen.

My new (to me) kitchen!! (Half of it, anyway. I am still working on the other half. In due time … )

Life has had many surprises for me in the past few months. Some good. Some not. Some happy. Some sad.

It’s all good. It’s all life. I just wish I had more time to ride. I’m just a few miles away from some awesome cycling and once a few things settle down a bit, I’ll be back on my bike.

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Finally … time to cook a healthy hearty but light dinner …

Organic Dino Kale, Shiitake Mushrooms, Chicken Andouille Sausage, and Whole Grain Rice Medley … a little drizzle of your favorite hot sauce … oh, yeah.

Now that’s a good way to reset after a busy busy day! Hello Spring Quarter 2016.