Unfortunately, some viewers of this blog don't know who Chris Horner is. Chris is currently a member of Team Radio Shack and previously was on Lance's team when he was with Astana as well. Chris is originally from Bend, OR. As you may recall, one of the rides on our list for the year is the Tour des Chutes in Bend OR. Gary, the organizer of the ride and fellow cancer survivor, posted in the last week of February that the first person to register for the ride would win a Chris Horner autographed TRS jersey.
Registration opened on March 1 so I put a calendar reminder on my phone for the 28th and then set my alarm for the morning. With registration opening at 9 EST on March 1, that meant that I had to be ready to go by 6. Up at 540 I got the computer and my credit card and just kept hitting refresh on 2 different sessions of Chrome. Promptly at 6:00 I was able to get in, I sprinted through registration, and then it was the waiting game.
I received an email yesterday from Gary letting me know that I was the winner and he was interested to hear that I too was a survivor. I asked if he could ask Chris if I could get one of his Madone's instead of the jersey, but I'm guessing it will be the jersey in the mail. Not sure if he will be around based on the summer season schedule, but it would be pretty neat to meet Horner at the ride. He likely wont be there since his sponsored ride is a few weeks later in Bend, but we wont be heading for that.
I'll post a picture of the jersey when it comes in. Thanks again Gary and Tour des Chutes.
LIVESTRONG!
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Monday, February 21, 2011
Clif Bars and Chewy Granola
Last week I posted on my Facebook page that I made my second batch of energy bars and they turned out better than the first. I've received many requests for the recipe, so rather than sending individually I decided to post it. There are many variations and my recipe is a blend of a few that I found online. I'm sure some images would help, so the next batch I make, I'll take some pictures along the way. If you have any questions or need clarification, just leave a comment. Enjoy!
Ingredients
1 1/4 cups Rice Crispies (I've heard there are some brown rice crispies but haven't found them)
1 cup rolled Oats (just your standard oat meal)
2 tbsp flax seed (I've also mixed in wheat germ)
1/4 cup Almonds, nuts, seeds (any mixture you'd like)
Based on your preference for bar...
1/4 cup dried fruit (obviously for a fruity one),
1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (for peanut butter chocolate chip), or
1/4 cup peanut butter (for peanut butter - in addition to what is listed below)
The "glue"
1/3 cup almond butter (you can also substitute soy nut butter or peanut butter. Peanut butter is the least healthy but also the least expensive.)
1/4 cup brown rice syrup (you can also use corn syrup though it is not as healthy)
1 tbsp vanilla
2 tbsp brown sugar
The process -
There are 2 variations that I've done. For a bar that is more similar to a chewy granola bar, just chop up the fruit and nuts a little bit. However, especially for riding and wanting a denser packing of energy, I like to make them more Clif Bar-like. Below is how to make them Clif Bar-like (if you dont want that, put away your food processor)
In a food processor combine all of the dry ingredients. Chop it all up so that it is a thick powder. Pour into a mixing bowl.
In a saucepan combine the "glue" over medium heat. Stir constantly and the heat will break down the almond/soy/peanut butter and marry it with the syrup, vanilla, and brown sugar. Once it is all combined pour over the dry ingredients. Using a wooden spoon, mix as best as you can. Then take off any jewelry and get your hands sticky (this is the easiest way to make sure it is all mixed in together). Lightly oil an 8x8 pan, and pour the mixture into the pan. Using wax paper (and I've used another bowl or a bread pan) push down and pack the mixture into an even level (typically about 1/2 inch thick). You want it to be tightly packed to stay together.
Place in refrigerator for approx. 30 minutes to cool/harden. Remove from refrigerator and pull the bars out of the 8x8 and onto a cutting board (I typically put the 8x8 upside down and if the bars dont just fall out, I'll help pry it from the sides and let gravity do the rest). Cut into bars the size you want.
Packing:
You can either individually wrap with plastic wrap or place into a pyrex container with wax paper between layers and then grab what you want, when you need it. Really easy to just toss 1-2 in a plastic bag before a ride.
Enjoy!
Ingredients
1 1/4 cups Rice Crispies (I've heard there are some brown rice crispies but haven't found them)
1 cup rolled Oats (just your standard oat meal)
2 tbsp flax seed (I've also mixed in wheat germ)
1/4 cup Almonds, nuts, seeds (any mixture you'd like)
Based on your preference for bar...
1/4 cup dried fruit (obviously for a fruity one),
1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (for peanut butter chocolate chip), or
1/4 cup peanut butter (for peanut butter - in addition to what is listed below)
The "glue"
1/3 cup almond butter (you can also substitute soy nut butter or peanut butter. Peanut butter is the least healthy but also the least expensive.)
1/4 cup brown rice syrup (you can also use corn syrup though it is not as healthy)
1 tbsp vanilla
2 tbsp brown sugar
The process -
There are 2 variations that I've done. For a bar that is more similar to a chewy granola bar, just chop up the fruit and nuts a little bit. However, especially for riding and wanting a denser packing of energy, I like to make them more Clif Bar-like. Below is how to make them Clif Bar-like (if you dont want that, put away your food processor)
In a food processor combine all of the dry ingredients. Chop it all up so that it is a thick powder. Pour into a mixing bowl.
In a saucepan combine the "glue" over medium heat. Stir constantly and the heat will break down the almond/soy/peanut butter and marry it with the syrup, vanilla, and brown sugar. Once it is all combined pour over the dry ingredients. Using a wooden spoon, mix as best as you can. Then take off any jewelry and get your hands sticky (this is the easiest way to make sure it is all mixed in together). Lightly oil an 8x8 pan, and pour the mixture into the pan. Using wax paper (and I've used another bowl or a bread pan) push down and pack the mixture into an even level (typically about 1/2 inch thick). You want it to be tightly packed to stay together.
Place in refrigerator for approx. 30 minutes to cool/harden. Remove from refrigerator and pull the bars out of the 8x8 and onto a cutting board (I typically put the 8x8 upside down and if the bars dont just fall out, I'll help pry it from the sides and let gravity do the rest). Cut into bars the size you want.
Packing:
You can either individually wrap with plastic wrap or place into a pyrex container with wax paper between layers and then grab what you want, when you need it. Really easy to just toss 1-2 in a plastic bag before a ride.
Enjoy!
Great Riding
The riding has been great these days. The weather has definitely been crisp, but I've still been out riding. The morning commute to work can be a bit chilly, but afternoon rides are just fine. This weekend I got out and did some riding and even at the end of last week, clear skies got me on the road - some days just after work for a quick hour spin, but Friday after finishing up everything at work I took the long way home for an easy 18 miles. Ended up in some higher traffic areas which then means that based on basic laws of probability that there are more idiots on the road. Just like there are a few cyclists that drive the stereotype of "cyclists never obey the laws" well there are a few drivers who ruin it for the conscientious cyclists as well.
Friday night my wife's brother had his wedding reception so we left her car at her work so that we could get the carpool lane. Saturday I took a long meandering ride to get to her work. Ended up being about 25 miles, but a good 12 of those were going at a 15mph headwind that had 25-30 mph gusts. Then I had about 2 miles of hills. It was a GOOD workout. Sunday I got out for a nice spin too, though not as long.
The fraternity that I'm in is actually going to be doing an Alumni Spotlight on me and my fundraising so Sarah took some pictures of me for that. Here is my favorite:
LIVESTRONG!
Friday night my wife's brother had his wedding reception so we left her car at her work so that we could get the carpool lane. Saturday I took a long meandering ride to get to her work. Ended up being about 25 miles, but a good 12 of those were going at a 15mph headwind that had 25-30 mph gusts. Then I had about 2 miles of hills. It was a GOOD workout. Sunday I got out for a nice spin too, though not as long.
The fraternity that I'm in is actually going to be doing an Alumni Spotlight on me and my fundraising so Sarah took some pictures of me for that. Here is my favorite:
LIVESTRONG!
Monday, February 14, 2011
Weekend Intervals
Did some good riding this weekend. The weather was supposed to be pretty nasty with wind and rain, but the rain didn't come until late in the afternoon Saturday and the wind sustained well through the night, which meant the roads were dry by midday on Sunday. Saturday morning, wanting to catch any bit of the road before the storm blew in, I was sure to head out. Did a nice 17.22 mile figure 8 near the house so that I was never too far away should the rain start dumping. The route was great. Had some nice hills (one that I was glad to be going down, but in the near future I'll challenge in the opposite direction) and some flats too. I mixed it up and did some intervals as well as a sprint up half of one of my climbs. Went anaerobic and then wanted to get closer to my threshold to ride the rest of the climb. No use in beating up my body just to say I sprinted the whole thing right.
The hill on 164th in Snohomish joins my classification as a 50mph hill. I wasn't pedaling that hard on the first half before the plateau, but the grade on the bottom half was enough to have me at 50+ were I not to start increased feathering as I was approaching the stop sign. Should be a good climb, but definitely one I'll want to hit early in the morning to avoid traffic.
Sunday I took the same route once we got home from church. Legs were burning a bit more, but that is a good thing. Looks like we are in for quite the stretch of rain ahead, but at least the wind will be dying down which means, once my wife's car is out of the shop I should be able to get back on the bike commute.
LIVESTRONG
The hill on 164th in Snohomish joins my classification as a 50mph hill. I wasn't pedaling that hard on the first half before the plateau, but the grade on the bottom half was enough to have me at 50+ were I not to start increased feathering as I was approaching the stop sign. Should be a good climb, but definitely one I'll want to hit early in the morning to avoid traffic.
Sunday I took the same route once we got home from church. Legs were burning a bit more, but that is a good thing. Looks like we are in for quite the stretch of rain ahead, but at least the wind will be dying down which means, once my wife's car is out of the shop I should be able to get back on the bike commute.
LIVESTRONG
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
The Wheels are Turning
Fundraising wheels that is. I really wanted to track my mileage this year, but I completely forgot about it and don't know if I want to reset it now since I wouldnt be capturing all of them....
...
I had to step away so I now have to catch up with this blog I started yesterday. I reset my odometer today on my summer bike (still wont capture my rainy day rides, but decided it's worth the journey).
But what about these fundraising wheels. Sarah's and my creative wheels have been a-spinning for various fundraising options. Now we need to get some content around them instead of just being the skeleton ideas. Some will definitely take more work than others.
...
I had to step away so I now have to catch up with this blog I started yesterday. I reset my odometer today on my summer bike (still wont capture my rainy day rides, but decided it's worth the journey).
But what about these fundraising wheels. Sarah's and my creative wheels have been a-spinning for various fundraising options. Now we need to get some content around them instead of just being the skeleton ideas. Some will definitely take more work than others.
- Event at Januik Winery - Woodinville (will likely pair with Mike and Patrick)
- Bike-a-thon - Sarah went to Anytime Fitness and they were willing to talk about opportunities to help
- Garage Sale - if you have any items you want to get rid of this spring/summer we are willing to take it
- Bombarding emails
- Reaching out to Black Raven Brewery for some sponsorship
Other ideas we've heard of, could be interesting but would need connections
- Halo or some type of Xbox or Kinect tournament
- Poker tournament
- Free-throw competition at a grade school - "Take a shot at cancer"
- Any opportunity at a bar - "Take a shot at cancer" - different type of shot
- Pool tournament - Wedgewood Alehouse?!?!?!
I'm sure there are tons of others - if you know any connections or could help out, please let us know.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Weekend ride, dedications, and getting in shape
Now I have, but I haven't been holding up my end of the bargain on my riding. I told you all in one of my earliest posts that my commitment to you was that I would ride 1 mile for every $5 that were donated. Now I know that I am a little bit behind - though not much since I was able to ride a good portion of last week (including my Thursday morning ride and a ride on Sunday). However, I haven't been documenting the dedications as much as I hoped. To be honest, it all happened when I lost a bit of wind from my sails after I put together a video one evening the garage. It was cold outside - my thinned out blood tells me it was miserably cold outside, but my Midwestern roots (and parents) remind me that there is nothing "miserable" about 26 degrees. Likely just another sign of me becoming a PacNWerner, but I digress. I was in the garage, on the rollers (also can be miserable at times since you dont get any change in scenery), and I did a Flip video dedication to my friend and fellow survivor Flutie. RAF gave me a nice donation when I sent out an email telling folks of what I've been up to. In fact, even getting my email inspired him to take the plunge and register for LIVESTRONG Austin. It will be great to meet him in person and hopefully keep up with him - it might not be a headwind holding you back, Flutie, I just might be holding onto your saddle for a pull. Well, lo and behold, the damn video wouldnt upload to YouTube. I've tried more than 2 handful of times and now I'm out of fingers - or at least have been out of motivation to try and repost it. Nevertheless, I kept riding but holding out hope that I would do my rides in order (for the most part) and document the dedications the same way. My list of dedications is at home, but look forward to an upcoming post on who I've been riding for.
This weekend was another great opportunity for a ride. The stars aligned and Patrick and I were able to get a free pass from our wives to go on a ride and Michael was able to join us as well. As Sarah got ready to go to the bridal shower for Kaitlin, I was getting my bike into the car and heading down to Seattle. The forecast was calling for high 40s - maybe even hitting 50, but I wore my tights just in case. Better to be warm than cold, right? Well, it wasn't a miserable day, but it was biting cold. I'd guess it was more like the low 40s and a few different times I needed to ignore the lack of feeling in my fingers, but we did about 26 miles, which included a climb up 65th in Seattle to Top Pot Donuts. I decided not to get a donut since I'm trying to lose weight right now, and I'm glad I did. Down to 183.6 this morning. Only 20 lbs to go! I'd say the most amazing part of the ride (and I know it's because they haven't had as much time), normally I'm able to do hills, but nothing like Patrick and Michael. However, since I have a longer commute and have been able to ride more with my schedule, I've even started to become a bit of a hill hunter. Going up the ridge, I was able to sustain a faster climb than both of them - something I've never done - and something I'll probably only be able to do for another week or 2 until they catch up and pass me. Still, it was pretty cool.
In even better news, our friends Mark and Maria finally decided to get some hybrid/comfort bikes and Maria just told me today that she is hooked and didn't realize how much she would love biking. They may not be doing the STP or a LIVESTRONG ride, but they are riding and that is all that matters.
Ride hard and LIVESTRONG!
This weekend was another great opportunity for a ride. The stars aligned and Patrick and I were able to get a free pass from our wives to go on a ride and Michael was able to join us as well. As Sarah got ready to go to the bridal shower for Kaitlin, I was getting my bike into the car and heading down to Seattle. The forecast was calling for high 40s - maybe even hitting 50, but I wore my tights just in case. Better to be warm than cold, right? Well, it wasn't a miserable day, but it was biting cold. I'd guess it was more like the low 40s and a few different times I needed to ignore the lack of feeling in my fingers, but we did about 26 miles, which included a climb up 65th in Seattle to Top Pot Donuts. I decided not to get a donut since I'm trying to lose weight right now, and I'm glad I did. Down to 183.6 this morning. Only 20 lbs to go! I'd say the most amazing part of the ride (and I know it's because they haven't had as much time), normally I'm able to do hills, but nothing like Patrick and Michael. However, since I have a longer commute and have been able to ride more with my schedule, I've even started to become a bit of a hill hunter. Going up the ridge, I was able to sustain a faster climb than both of them - something I've never done - and something I'll probably only be able to do for another week or 2 until they catch up and pass me. Still, it was pretty cool.
In even better news, our friends Mark and Maria finally decided to get some hybrid/comfort bikes and Maria just told me today that she is hooked and didn't realize how much she would love biking. They may not be doing the STP or a LIVESTRONG ride, but they are riding and that is all that matters.
Ride hard and LIVESTRONG!
Thursday, January 27, 2011
My Wife is Amazing
It sure wasn't fun, but our 5 month old daughter got a horrible flu - in fact we spent the night in urgent care getting her some fluids via IV. People at work thought I was crazy yesterday when I still biked into work, but as I told them, it was the only thing that kept me awake - nothing like a nice early morning breeze of fresh air. It sustained me for a few hours, but by 3 I was cross-eyed and ready to sleep on my keyboard. The ride home woke me up to get some chores done around the house and we were in bed by 8. Knowing that she was taking off from work today (can't send a sick little girl to daycare), she let me sleep through the night.
On top of that, I didn't have any meetings this morning, the weather in the Puget Sound has been amazing, and I was planning to get a good ride in. My bride insisted that I still take the morning off and go for a ride since I wanted to so badly. I really should have brought my shoe covers because the nice thing about my shoes (LG Ergo Airs) is that they have great ventilation for the summer. My toes were a bit chilly, and I didn't do the 50-60 miles I was originally planning since I wanted to get into work by 11-11:30. When I got out to Carnation it was already 10 so I knew I should probably cut the ride short to get into work at a good time.
I was at the intersection of the Tolt River Road and West Snoqualmie River Road (heads to Preston - route to get to Issaquah) and decided it would be best to head back in to Redmond. The climb is just over 1 mile at an average of 7.5% gradient. I would be lying if I didn't say that I pulled over and didn't climb it all at once. But for being my first "non-commuting ride" (typically 10-20 miles) this year, I'd say that a ride of 40 miles of rolling hills with the one climb was pretty good. I was satisfied.
More to come on the ride dedication...
Sorry for being so absent lately.
LIVESTRONG
On top of that, I didn't have any meetings this morning, the weather in the Puget Sound has been amazing, and I was planning to get a good ride in. My bride insisted that I still take the morning off and go for a ride since I wanted to so badly. I really should have brought my shoe covers because the nice thing about my shoes (LG Ergo Airs) is that they have great ventilation for the summer. My toes were a bit chilly, and I didn't do the 50-60 miles I was originally planning since I wanted to get into work by 11-11:30. When I got out to Carnation it was already 10 so I knew I should probably cut the ride short to get into work at a good time.
I was at the intersection of the Tolt River Road and West Snoqualmie River Road (heads to Preston - route to get to Issaquah) and decided it would be best to head back in to Redmond. The climb is just over 1 mile at an average of 7.5% gradient. I would be lying if I didn't say that I pulled over and didn't climb it all at once. But for being my first "non-commuting ride" (typically 10-20 miles) this year, I'd say that a ride of 40 miles of rolling hills with the one climb was pretty good. I was satisfied.
More to come on the ride dedication...
Sorry for being so absent lately.
LIVESTRONG
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