RallyupNride!

Saturday's Short Ride

noreply@blogger.com (Carlos) — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 04:02:00 +0000

Yes. I know I said I would do 63mi on Saturday, but dot to time constraints we had to shorten it. Never the less, it was a good ride with excellent SoCal weather. We started around 8:30 and finished before 12 and completed 40 miles.

Me, Alfonzo, Roxanna, Enrique, Henry is taking the picture.

Enrique in the background.

Long Beach to San Joaquin Hills Metric Century

noreply@blogger.com (Carlos) — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 06:14:00 +0000

Yeah! The weekend is finally here and I will be hitting the southern California roads this Saturday with some friends and new riders. It should be a great day to sweat off the holiday pounds I easily gained last year. This ride will be the first LONG ride I have done since Solvang - last October or November? It's been so long, I can't recall. Tomorrow's ride will be a good prelude to next Saturday's Stagecoach Century ride in Ocotillo (near San Diego). I am really looking forward to tackling some good hills. I probably should try and do at least 80 miles that day, since the following day, January 17th, is International Day of Italian Cuisine!!! Mangia! Mangia! Oh mio dio! Back to food, again. I will post pictures tomorrow of the ride. Have a great weekend! Ciao!

Long Beach to San Joaquin Hills
Find more Bike Rides in Long Beach, California

Beautiful Day to Ride!

noreply@blogger.com (Carlos) — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 03:52:00 +0000

Woke up to a chilly house and the promise of a great sunny winter's day in California. My friend Cheryl met me at 8am and we hit the rode about 8:30. We took Carson to Studebaker and enjoyed the scenic tree lined parks on the way. We quickly made headway onto Westminster and rode past the navel station. The weather was perfect! We could see all the mountains surrounding Long Beach and the skies were bluer than blue with strokes of white clouds in the distance. We took Edwards St., recommended by Brent, for its "big ass hill". As we came into view of the steep hill, Cheryl shouts from behind me, "Let's go around it!" LOL. I must admit, it looked intimidating, but we made it over the 7% graded hill. At the top we could see the HB ocean, and Palos Verdes in the distance with very clear visibility. I was soo excited to be back on the bike and impressed by Cheryl's ability to keep up a comfortable average pace of 14 to 15 mph. We took PCH north and turned right on Clark to the end and finished 34 mi in 2.5 hours. There's nothing like a good ride on a beautiful day to end the weekend. I was extremely giddy and euphoric all day. Tonight, I look forward to sound sleep and the possibility of a quick ride before work, tomorrow.

see it on map my ride

Wild Blue - Blueberry Lager

noreply@blogger.com (Carlos) — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 04:48:00 +0000

RallyupNride!

This was AWESOME! Had this beer with my homemade chicken tacos tonight. The color was surprisingly ruby purple and the taste was wildly blue. It is was extremely easy to drink since it had a higher than normal sugar content for beer. Get it! Found it at Albertsons. Enjoy.

Team Poster - Borrego Springs Century 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Carlos) — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 04:25:00 +0000

RallyupNride!

2009 Completed Cycling Events!

noreply@blogger.com (Carlos) — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 04:39:00 +0000

I'm pretty happy with my participation in cycling events this year. I began in August with Bike the Bay in San Diego over the Coronado bridge. I remember being very nervous about climbing the bridge and even drove down there, just to test it with my car. Shortly after, I cycled Chula Vista - in the heat, and up a 5 to 7% grade hill that kicked my butt. I promised with my whole heart that I would never do another ride with hills. But, given time to recoup, I realized I made it up the hill on my own accord and I quickly had an epiphany - I will do my first 100 mi century! So, I upgraded my Trek 7.9 to a Pinarello FP3 and completed the Tour de Poway century in EIGHT long hours. What was I thinking! However, I was back on the saddle doing the Little Italy Festa in October and two Solvang rides in November. My last ride was in Borrego Springs which ended in a nice slice of Julian pie in a tin topped with vanilla ice cream. Perfect ending to a perfect year of pedaling. My New Year's resolution includes completing four 100mi centuries with some of them out of state for some diversity and adventure. Road trips! Wishing everyone a wonderful year ending and a promising New Year to come. See you on the rode. RallyupNride!

Borrego Springs Ride!

noreply@blogger.com (Carlos) — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 03:17:00 +0000

Too exhausted to type.

Back On the Bike!

noreply@blogger.com (Carlos) — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 03:32:00 +0000

Today, I went for my first ride in 3 weeks! It felt a little weird in my cycling clothes and on the saddle, again. But it didn't take that long for me to feel at one with the bike and road. My friends and I rode along the San Gabriel river bed with clear skies and a slight chill in the air. I wore my Little Italy jersey (shown below) and my new Louis Garneu Speed Tech bib shorts with Matrix 3 Gel chamois. The shorts were very comfortable and had a unique shark skin texture - smooth in one direction and rough in the opposite. After the ride, I felt sooo happy and psyched for the upcoming ride this Sunday in Borrego Springs that I am doing with two co-worker friends. I will probably only do the metric century since I haven't ridden far in three weeks. To get there I will be passing through Temecula and pick up some wine. If anybody goes to Temecula, they should visit Ponte Winery and try the Beverino. It's a red wine with that is too easy to drink and is just as good chilled as it is at room temp. Trust me, you'll be addicted. Happy Holidays every one! And get out on the rode & ride!

Little Italy Festa!

noreply@blogger.com (Carlos) — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 03:31:00 +0000

My jersey finally arrived. I did this metric century ride last October in San Diego. The ride went from the coast into Chula Vista and back. Excellent weather, a few challenging hills, and nice scenery. I will do it again next year.

Carlos' Tofu Stir Fry

noreply@blogger.com (Carlos) — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 03:17:00 +0000

Okay, this is my first attempt at making asian food, on the fly. I was at Whole Foods market last Saturday after a great 60 mi ride and was famished. This little lady behind an electric skillet was cooking "Tofu Steak" tofu. I sampled the cajun tofu and fell in love with its spicy flavor and firm texture. She strictly instructed me to brown the tofu first in a skillet and then add the soy and teriyaki sauce. However, when I cooked this dish I sweated the carrots and celery first, and then added the tofu. Needless to say, the tofu never browned and somewhat crumbled, but still tasty. When making this, I would brown the cut tofu first until somewhat crusty, remove from pan, cook the veggies and return tofu back to pan.

Ingredients:

2 carrots, julienned

1 celery

2 slices of ginger, cut into quarter inch strips

3 garlic cloves minced

hand full of snow peas

Tofu Steak - cajun

soy sauce

teriyaki sauce

cooked asian noodles

Preparation:

Start by cooking cut tofu in non-stick skillet until edges are browned and firm. Remove from pan. Saute carrot & celery in canola oil for 3-4 minutes. Dash with soy sauce. Add garlic, ginger and saute for 2-3 minutes more. Add the snow peas and tofu. Add the teriyaki sauce to your liking and serve with noodles (pre-tossed with teriyaki sauce). Enjoy.

Spaghetti a la Bolognese

noreply@blogger.com (Carlos) — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 01:43:00 +0000

Made this dish today and it's really good and very simple to prepare. Using pancetta, mushrooms, and aromatics really gave the sauce a rich flavor without using the typical beef. Hope you like it.

Ingredients:

1 large sweet onion, diced

6oz pancetta

1 carrot, diced

1 celery stalk, diced

2-3 cloves garlic, minced

6oz of mushrooms

italian seasoning

1lb of ground turkey (italian flavored)

24oz can san marzano tomatoes

1/2 cup red wine (I used sangiovese)

spaghetti

2-3 tbsp tomato paste

Saute onions in olive oil. Add salt & pepper - sweat onions until translucent. Add carrots, celery, garlic, mushrooms, pancetta, & desired italian seasoning - saute 3-4 minutes. Add turkey and break up into tiny pieces. When turkey is fully cooked, add wine and tomatoes and simmer for 30 - 45 minutes. Taste test for flavor and adjust. Add tomato paste for desired consistency. Serve with pasta and parmesan cheese.

LA Car Show

noreply@blogger.com (Carlos) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 03:36:00 +0000

Went to the LA car show this weekend after a nice ride on Saturday. I woke up at 4:44 because my legs were aching and I was still excited from yesterday's endorphine high. We started the day by going to our favorite breakfast dive - The ShoreHouse Cafe - on 2nd street in Belmont Shore.

Our friend, Shu, joined us for a fantastically sinful breakfast. Needless to say, after eating here, there's no need to eat for about a day or two.

Huevos Rancheros

Mexican Scrambler

French Toast

This is how we felt after eating.

Mini's new concept car.

"CAUTION PLEASE DO NOT FEED THE MINI."

BMW

Shu's future car!

Shu & the sexy showgirl!

Lincoln

sweet Porsche

Spyder

Lotus

Corona del Mar Ride

noreply@blogger.com (Carlos) — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 00:26:00 +0000

Woke up at 6:15 on Saturday morning and hit the road by 7:20. It was overcast and 47 degrees, so I used my new Catstelli Cardio Bib Tights layered with fleece. They were very comfortable and I didn't overheat on the road. Met up with the crew, Enrique, Alfonzo, & Henry at PCH & Marina Dr. in Long Beach. But less than one mile out Enique's bike chain acted up and forced him to head back to his car. Even though the day was overcast, we still were able to take some great pictures.

Huntington Beach

Newport Bay

Corona del Mar State Beach

Alfonzo, Henry, e Io.

Take a look at those beautiful road munchers.

An Italian photographer, Sabrina, took this pic for us. Go here to see her work.

Sabrina graciously posing with me.

Bellisimo!

Saturday's Upcoming Ride to Corona del Mar

noreply@blogger.com (Carlos) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 04:21:00 +0000

Go here to view on Map My Ride. We will meet at Long Beach Marina parking lot just behind the Sea Port Marina Hotel off of Westminster Ave./2nd St. and PCH at 8am.

Free Cycling Log

noreply@blogger.com (Carlos) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 02:26:00 +0000

Just tried out the free Internet Training Log - really cool. User friendly, analyzes and graphs your progress, and did I mention, it's free. Link can be found on right under Cycling Links.

Lakewood to Corona del Mar State Beach Ride!

noreply@blogger.com (Carlos) — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 22:15:00 +0000

Left my house at 7:36 and reached Corona del Mar state beach (30 mi) a little bit before 10. The ride back was windy and I got my first flat on the road. Took me about 15 min to fix and then I was back on my Pinarello. Reached home by 12 and finished 57.5 miles.

Homes in Corona del Mar - great landscaping.

Corona del Mare State beach.

Overlooking Newport.

Incredible home under construction overlooking the ocean.

Could you imagine walking out your front porch and seeing this - breathtaking!

Corn Cheddar Chowder with Turkey

noreply@blogger.com (Carlos) — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 22:39:00 +0000

This is sooo flavorful & good. It's slightly spicy, smooth, and filling at the same time. I used left over turkey and only took less than 30ish minutes to make. Directions: render 1/4 cup pancetta (or two bacon slices) in pot until crisp; remove & save bacon. Saute following in remaining fat: 1/2 onion, 1 red pepper, 1 carrot, 2 celery stalks all chopped with 2 cloves minced garlic. Salt, pepper, and season with 1 tsp of Italian spices. When onion translucent, add 1.5 cups chopped red potatoes, 1 lb shredded turkey, and 5-6 cups of low-sodium chicken stock. bring to simmer until potatoes tender. Stir in 2.25 cups of frozen corn. In bowl mix 1 cup flour with 2 cups low fat milk with wisk and add to pot. Bring to boil until thickened - about 10-15 min. Add cup of cheddar cheese. Ladle in bowls topped with green onion, crispy pancetta or other bacon, and corn chips if desired.

The soup was well complimented with a unique German beer I got at BevMo.

It's 50% Steigl-Beer and 50% Lemon soda - Light and easy to drink. Flavor enhanced with an orange slice.

SImone's Donuts

noreply@blogger.com (Carlos) — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 18:34:00 +0000

Beautiful day today! Skies blue with clouds hovering over the mountains. I postponed my ride today based on the forcast for 40% chance of rain. Instead, I grabbed a tall iced coffee from Starbucks and headed to my favorite donut place - Simone's Donuts in Long Beach. These are my favorite donuts; and very popular with the locals. The dough is light and has a slight crispy outside that is addicting. I limit myself to one per visit (today I bought 2 for the foto) and usually dive out of my way, once or twice a week, for these beauties. If your in the area, you've got to try them - located on the corner of Stearns & Palos Verdes in Long Beach.

Shoreline Cafe French Toast

noreply@blogger.com (Carlos) — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 18:27:00 +0000

This place is the best breakfast I've ever eaten. Located on 2nd street in Belmont Shore. My fav is the Breakfast Enchiladas. You need to ask for them since they are not regularly on the menu.. They're made with egg & feta cheese wrapped in tortillas, topped with spicy red chili sauce, cheese, & accompanied with beans and rice. Fantastic!

After Thanksgiving Ride

noreply@blogger.com (Carlos) — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 00:43:00 +0000

Will be doing this 66 mi course Saturday or Sunday - depending on the chance of rain. Click here to see it on Map My Ride.

Thanksgiving Ride!

noreply@blogger.com (Carlos) — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 01:02:00 +0000

Today, I went riding with co-workers and new friends. Started at Heartwell Park in Long Beach at 8am, followed the San Gabriel River bed trail, rode past Golden West College, reached PCH, and followed it back to the river bed. Total of about 36 miles and finished at 11:20. The day was crisp in the morning and quickly warmed up by 9:30.

Enrique looking good after the nice hill on Gothard street.

Cheryl kept up a good pace on the hills with her clip-in pedals. Her strategy of facing the skies and cursing the heavens seems to work well for her. Keep it up Cheryl!

Dawnelle, looking pretty in pink, makes it look too easy.

Edwin knows his stuff. He kept alerting us to the best bikes and accessories on the rode.

Alfonzo helped me keep pace on PCH by alternating to the front on some good headwind. Thanks.

The crew resting after pushing through the wind up PCH. Their cat-like reflexes kept their bikes from swerving into the marshlands when a pack of cyclists startled them by shouting, "On the left!"

Overall, it was a fantastic ride and got me in the mood for my mom's fantastic feast. Until next time. Happy Thanksgiving!

Short Bib, Helmet, & Tail Light on It's Way!

noreply@blogger.com (Carlos) — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 06:05:00 +0000

Ordered Louis Garneau Bib Shorts Speed Matrix with Matrix 3 Gel chamois in medium. I am 5'6" with 40-41 inch hip, and according to LG sizing chart I should be wearing a med. My first LG short I got in September was size XL. At the time I thought it was the best fit. But now that I have been riding alot and wearing Castelli and Pearl Izumi bibs (both Italian sizes and form fiting) - my XL hangs in the closet - never to be worn, again.

Louis Garneau Exo-Nerve helmet. This one has more vents and lighter than my Giro Ionos helmet.

Planet Bike's Superflash back light. I saw this one during a race and it caught my attention - even during the day. Click here to see video comparing it to other lights.

Sovang's Finest Century - Partly Accomplished!

noreply@blogger.com (Carlos) — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 15:00:00 +0000

This ride was the best route I have ever done. The course always changed and never did out-and-back routes that can sometimes get boring - like in the Solvang Prelude. The morning was COLD. My Mini registered 43 degrees at 6am. I wore my sleeves on the rode but not my jacket - thinking it would warm up quickly. I was wrong. I didn't take my sleeves off until about 11o'clock. To top it off, I wore a new bib and it started to get uncomfortable at mile 15. However, the day was clear and crisp, the sun hit the vineyards and turned them gold and crimson red - it was breath taking. We took Amour Ranch Rd that was fun to ride because of the up-and-down hills - it made me feel like a kid, again. It was in the middle of the prairie with a few oak trees and cows. After the hills we turned right, around the mountain bend, and met an oasis of vineyards tucked in the valley - the descent and vista down the hill was exhilarating. The next memorable stretch was around mile 50, where we followed a small valley of orchards and vineyards - Bellisimo! But then the winds came. Not fun. By the time I reached the 61 mile rest stop - I decided I would cut the 20 miles through a canyon with two 4 to 5 graded hills to go over. My reasoning was this - if I was barely making over the small 3-4 graded hills in the wind - surely the larger ones would undue me. The nice thing about taking hwy 246 back was being able to coast for about two miles before going up another climb. My 79 mile ride took me 5:20 hours to accomplish. In the end, I was so happy to see my Mini.

Very cold morning.

Ostriches raised for yummy-in -the-tummy.

Amour Ranch road leading to rolling vineyards.

View at the end of the hills. These pictures do no justice to the pure beauty of this place.

Blue sky and rolling hills!

This steady climb is tough at around mile 24 - even the second time around. I did this last week in the Solvang Prelude, but this time it was more stunning - the day was absolutely clear.

I took these snap shots to distract myself from the burning legs.

Long line for only 2 "port-a-potties" - ridiculous.

This years jersey sold out - too bad, it's pretty sharp looking.

This road is the beginning of the last 50 mile loop for the century.

Solvang's Finest Century - Nov. 14, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Carlos) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 02:54:00 +0000

I'm going back this weekend to Solvang for a longer ride - 100 miles. Proceeds will benefit the Challenged Athletes Foundation. Hopefully, I will complete this in less than 7 hours. I am not looking forward to the 4 to 5% graded hill at mile 85. It will hurt - but I will conquer the hill!

The jersey is pretty cool looking.

Moroccan Chicken Stew with Chipotle Cheese Panini

noreply@blogger.com (Carlos) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:26:00 +0000

Trying to eat better for the century in Solvang this Saturday: onion, 1 tsp garam marsal, 6cp chicken stock, 14.5 oz diced tomatoes, 2x15oz chickpeas drained, 2 zuchini cubed, 3/4 cup couscous, 1 rousterie chicken shredded seasoned with 1tsp cumin, avocado diced for garnish.