Saturday's Upcoming Ride to Corona del Mar

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

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!

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

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

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.