Archive for May, 2008
When I read about this cycle ride a few months ago, I was keen to take part. Now, at 6 am on the day, I am not so sure.
Strawberry Fields Forever is run by Cyclists for Cultural Exchange, a non profit organization
whose ‘express purpose is to further peace and international understanding through exchanges between people with a common interest in cycling’ (straight quote taken from their website). It is centered around Watsonville which, as everybody knows, is the strawberry capital of the world. There are three routes being held – 25 miles, 100 kilometers and 100 miles. As we are comparatively novice rides, we plumped for the shortest route. It is described as ‘A nice loop through some beautiful coastal redwoods and apple orchards. Two short climbs. This is one for those just venturing forth on their first organized ride, or those with children in tow.’
The weather should be hot. Afterall we have endured three days of temperatures in excess of 100 degrees and today we are promised slightly cooler weather but we didn’t expect ‘slightly cooler’ to be below 50 degrees and extremely foggy to boot. We were not dressed for these cool conditions but we thought ‘what the heck’. Well that’s what I thought. Tom might have a different version.
The start was between 7 and 9 am from the Pajaro Valley High School and there we duly presented ourselves at 6.30 am. We came to the conclusion pretty quickly that we were seriously outclassed and that maybe the 25 milers didn’t start until later because all the other early arrivals had far superior equipment from their riding gear, go faster helmets and super duper bikes.
I expected a mass start but contrary to belief everybody could set off as soon as they had registered. Each route was marked by colored arrows on the pavement.
Soon after we set out, we were passed by a team of identically dressed riders and the leader asked if we were taking part in the 100 mile ride. I just laughed and replied ‘What, dressed like this?’ Before long we were on our own following the blue arrows. The red and yellow arrows were pointing a different way.
It was freezing and my hands were really cold because I have no gloves. Tom, bless his heart, gave me his to wear and instantly I was warmer.
The complete route was over roads. Now Tom and I have only ridden on cycle paths so getting used to cars and traffic lights was a novel and sometimes scary experience. Very soon though we were out in the country and both cars and signals were few and far apart.
continue reading »
May 31 2008 | Special Places | No Comments »
We were hoping to write several blogs during our stay but we had no access to the internet. In
fact, we had no access to a phone either so we were more or less cut off from civilization as we know it. It was kind of nice.
The main purpose for the trip was the wedding of my youngest daughter, Lizzie, to Ric on April 26th. The ceremony took place in Arundel, which is a wonderful town in West Sussex just five miles from the coast. Right in the middle of the town is Arundel Castle, which is the home of the Dukes of Norfolk, and it is everybody’s ideal castle. The River Arun flows through the town and a walk along the banks is beautiful at this time of the year, especially with all the little ducklings.
It rained the day before and the day after the wedding but on the Saturday it was warm and sunny. Lizzie was a radiant bride and it was a wonderful day. Lizzie and Ric are now on their honeymoon in Orlando, Florida.
We managed to get a lot done in the week we were away. On the Monday we drove to Taunton to visit my mother, brothers and sister (plus their spouses/partners) and stayed overnight. Wednesday we drove to France with my son Rob. How can you drive to France, I hear you say. Well you drive to Folkstone in Kent and then drive the car onto the train, which then transports you through the Eurotunnel to Calais. On Thursday we visited the Weald and Downland Open Air Museum in West Sussex which was amazing and on the Friday we drove to Guildford to have an evening pub get together with our friends. Early Saturday we were on our way home.
May 21 2008 | Further Afield | 1 Comment »
We are here in Fresno to celebrate Mother’s Day with Tom’s folks. Pardini’s is a regular haunt for his Dad, Don, and Arlene.
At 7.30 it was relatively quiet. I expect most people will be out and about later in the morning taking their Moms to brunch.
Pardini’s is a bright, clean and cheerful restaurant with lots of booths outside, a few tables and chairs in the middle and places up at the counter. I never really noticed the decor at all, apart from the fact that there was a lot of brick, and I didn’t even visit the restoom.
The food though is worth a mention. As usual I ordered the oatmeal ($2.95) with a fruit topping ($.75). Tom ordered 3 buttermilk pancakes, Don had 2 buttermilk pancakes and Arlene had two scrambled eggs with bacon and a side of salsa. She says eggs are boring without salsa.
I was busy giving Arlene a Sudoku lesson so didn’t notice how long it took for the meal to be served but it wasn’t very long.
I was impressed with the oatmeal when it arrived. It was served in a large, round, shallow bowl on a plate. On another large plate with a doily were the accompaniments – sugar & raisins in reasonable sized plastic containers, the milk in a glass and the fruit (a fair helping of sliced strawberries and cubes of melon) in a glass bowl. It was delicious and for $3.70 it was good value.
Tom enjoyed his pancakes. They were served with a container of soft butter and lots of hot maple syrup. Don and Arlene always order the same, so they enjoyed their meal as well.
If you are ever in Fresno, pay Pardini’s a visit.
May 15 2008 | Breakfast Log | No Comments »
whose ‘express purpose is to further peace and international understanding through exchanges between people with a common interest in cycling’ (straight quote taken from their website). It is centered around Watsonville which, as everybody knows, is the strawberry capital of the world. There are three routes being held – 25 miles, 100 kilometers and 100 miles. As we are comparatively novice rides, we plumped for the shortest route. It is described as ‘A nice loop through some beautiful coastal redwoods and apple orchards. Two short climbs. This is one for those just venturing forth on their first organized ride, or those with children in tow.’
The start was between 7 and 9 am from the Pajaro Valley High School and there we duly presented ourselves at 6.30 am. We came to the conclusion pretty quickly that we were seriously outclassed and that maybe the 25 milers didn’t start until later because all the other early arrivals had far superior equipment from their riding gear, go faster helmets and super duper bikes.
