Land of Sun

No doubt, it has been a long, cold and snow-filled winter in New Jersey and most of the northeast. So, when four mountain bikers boarded a plane destined for Arizona, there was much excitement and anticipation to ride our mountain bikes in sunshine. Once in my seat on the plane, I rolled up my puffy down coat and put it away for a week…. well, that was what I thought.

Destination: Wild Outdoor World of Arizona “WOW”, an amazing restored natural habitat oasis that draws butterflies, insects, birds and a plethora of wild animals, and coincidentally has 40 miles of mountain bike trails out the backyard.

http://blog.wowarizona.com/

We arrived late, when it was dark, and we went to sleep in anticipation of the week ahead. In the morning, the first sound I heard was a familiar “wheet, wheet” of the Curve-billed Thrasher. Nearly a year had passed since I heard that sound, and instantly, I was back home with it. We live in a world co-mingled with noise pollution, and being able to step outside of our man-made world, if only for a bit with our ears can be peaceful and rejuvenating. I draw back the blinds and see blue sky over beautiful mountains.






Six days of riding in sun.....


a sun so strong, that it bakes.




These may look friendly, but the desert has a harsh side.....


with a small price to pay.










Alcohol enhanced electrolyte elixer ...aka: "margarita"


Some surprise snow to ease us back to NJ weather






Puffy coat comes out for the ride to the airport.


Happy birthday MA!!

Feline and Frozen

It had been 7 or 8 weeks since I had ridden a mountain bike in the woods. Frozen snowmobile tracks made that possible today. I mounted my studded cheetah and off we went. Keeping in touch with your handling skills may not be something first on the list for some mountain bike racers, but it is a ritual I try to practice. Besides keeping you upright, uninjured and not broken down in a race, It can be sooo good for the spirit. Today was no exception.

Good Find

After being bombarded with cheap beer commercials during football playoffs, I have decided to offer the unusual and perhaps un-patriotic to some, ...... a pre-Super Bowl French wine review.

2007 Bernard Latour Cotes du Rhone

Red Rhone blend from the southern region of France.
2007, was reported by the sales person that sold me this bottle, as a very good year for this region.

My personal but non expert review: Medium bodied, fruity, blackberry-plum, maybe a hint of spice with delicate tannins and very smooth. Simple and ready to drink as a deliciously smooth table wine. Perfect for Super Bowl. $12.

Soup Time

Yam-Ginger Coconut Curry Soup garnished with pistachios

Yes, it is soup season again, and I have made some adjustments to an old favorite of mine. This time, I have added some curry and coconut milk to yam-ginger-squash soup. I started with a base of chicken broth, and roasted yams and squash, all made the day before. I cooked chopped ginger in oil for 5 minutes. Then added the yam, squash and curry and cooked a few more minutes. I then added the chicken broth and lightly simmered for 30 minutes. Let cool and blend or process until smooth. Stir in coconut milk.

Pre-Snow Ride

a sparkle-eyed pixy on a winters ride

With a big snowstorm approaching, it did not take too much arm twisting to find a few souls to go out on one more road ride, even if the temps were in the twenties. Thankfully, Campmor is my sponsor, because just about everything I wore today, and it was a lot, came from the Campmor store. That place is great for keeping an outdoors person warm. Once we got going, I was quite warm on the inside. Thank you dearly Campmor!

As we rode, the sky was dark and reminded me too often that it was still only January, and as you can imagine, this was a bit of a disappointment when all I can do is dream of summer. We were glad to have buddies today, as I do not think any of us would have ventured out by ourselves under these conditions, but we did as a team, and it was good. Three frozen water bottles and 25 miles later we completed our adventure and were feeling better for getting outside. Sometimes half the battle is just getting out the door. Once outside, the right gear and some friends can make for a great time, so don't be afraid to get outside to play!


At the top of 106 trying to get psyched for the cold descent back.

Snow Sparkle Days

When my sacred woods become covered under a blanket of snow, it is time to strap on the cross-country (XC) skis and go explore this strange new topography. Although riding my bike is my favorite thing to do, seeing the woods covered with snow is very beautiful, and I am fortunate to have the opportunity to journey into the woods under these circumstances.

Art and I were surprised to find a XC specific machine groomed double track at the local park where we ski. We took it to the top of the climb, but then decided to venture off the groomed and break our own track towards the lakes and around. Dense snow conditions made breaking super smooth, and there is something special about seeing and feeling a consistent virgin sea of white in front of you as you ski. Tiny snow flakes lit up the floor like jewels in the sun.

Once we reached the first lake, we realized that we were pressed for time to make it all the way around before darkness. We opted to take a hiking trail as a short cut. Try to imagine 2 people negotiating a 2 ft wide twisty catwalk elevated 30 feet above a lake, with 6 ft skis on their feet. A few laughs and some not so pleasant words later, we reached the other side and were able to connect with another skiers tracks.

Although our heads were down trying to make it back by dark, the next hour was incredible as the sun began to set. First, the ground and the tree tops turned a glowing peach color. Then around a bend and all went blue as the sun dipped. By the time we were near the parking lot, the sky was on fire as the sun finally set. ….Once again, an epic outing chasing the sun home.

Big Snow

above photos all taken by Art with my new mini camera, that was tucked in my pocket while shoveling all day.

Ringwood Ice Hike

nice hiking trail


wilted cactus


me and my mom