It's All About the Food: Taste Test

Anyone that knows me just a little bit, knows that I LOVE food. I really enjoy some good eating, and I savor the flavors, aromas, and textures. You might also know that I generally prefer something savory, maybe crunchy (fried!) and salty or even spicy. Sweet stuff just isn't my thing. It's a terrible disease, some say, but I don't even like chocolate all that much.

Food and nutrition are also a big part of this training and cycling experience. At my size, I'm probably burning about 300 calories per hour of cycling. Recent rides have taken me to about 3 hours of riding, so I really need to be considering my calorie consumption along the way. This will be critical on the 100 miles. So, I've begun to experiment with a variety of drinks, gels, powders, chews, bars, etc. in an attempt to get my calories on each ride. Most of these products are sugar in various forms, but the idea is to get some quick carbs for instant and continuous energy. Most of them are also very sweet (in my opinion) and so far, I haven't found much to please my picky palate.

I've started with some Cytomax, using up a big tub of it that Andy won at Sea Otter this year. I have the lemon-lime flavor. Lemon-lime seems to be a popular flavor among all of these products. I like a little lemon squeezed into my ice water, but I'm not a fan of sweet lemonade. So far, the Cyto seems to be OK. The harder you ride, the less sweet it actually tastes, and when you're thirsty you'll suck down just about anything.

Since I've just been relying on the Cyto so far and supplemented with a few Clif Bloks that have been pretty tasty along the ride. Given the huge variety of products available, I figured I would embark on a taste test to find just the right products that I really like and could imagine eating for 100 miles. It's all about the flavor....and a little about the textures.

Here's what I've got to try:

• Clif Bloks new flavors- Margarita (with extra salt) and Pina Colada. Andy has already tasted the new Cola flavor and ruled it out quickly.
• Clif Shot Electolyte Drink- Cran Raz flavor.
• Gu Energy Gel- "Just Plain" and Strawberry Banana flavors
• Sport Beans- Lemon-Lime flavor. Berry Blue unavailable at the time of testing.

Several long rides are planned for this weekend, with ample opportunity to taste along the way.

I'll report back next week with the winners!

Sara's Fundraising Update

WOW! I can't believe I'm already half way to my goal of $1000. I think I need to set my goals a little higher. A BIG thanks to all of those that have generously donated so far. Your thoughts and support for my mom and for others has been tremendous.
SLR

Live Strong Course Info

Henry emailed the LIVESTRONG folks last week to ask about the course we are training for. Here's the unofficial word from the Fundraising Manager of the Challenge:

The LIVESTRONG Challenge Portland routes highlight the beauty offered by Portland and beautiful cycling in the northwest. The route departs from Nike World Headquarters in Beaverton, OR. The ‘Challenging’ 100- mile course lends itself to your cycling specialties. Not a good climber? Take advantage of the initial, relatively flat 20 miles before you endure the 6,000+ ft. of climbing in 15 miles midway through the route.

Overall, all course distances for the LIVESTRONG Challenge Portland encompass moderate to difficult terrain with some steep climbs and descents. Because of the terrain, tandem bikes are not permitted on the 100-mile course. The 100-mile course will ascend a total of 7,000 ft. before finishing at the Nike Campus.

OUCH!

Team Rigel Training Ride

The biking side of Team Rigel had our first official training ride over Memorial Day weekend on Orcas Island. Henry was on his brand new bike, and I took on some brand new hills that I never thought I could tackle! The Orcas Hills proved a great learning experience for me. I finally got over the fear of some major hills over that weekend.



With my mom's recent diagnosis and the passing of Frank still so fresh, I climb and ride with their pain in mind. I've learned to push myself farther than I could have imagined. I can barely imagine their pain and the pain that all who have suffered with cancer have gone through. I can still breathe, many big deep breaths. As I climbed, I listened closely to my breathing. In. Out. In. Out. Trying to keep the rhythm steady and pedal consistently. With each breath in and out, I repeat, "Not. Scared. Not. Scared. Not Scared." My new mantra. So far, it's working.

-SLR