Friday, August 29, 2008

Fo' Shizzle Ma' Grizzle

Grill night at my place... started out with a nice fire...



Earlier I marinated these butterflied pork chops in orange juice, soy sauce, and a whole bunch of grated ginger...



I also grilled up a filet of salmon. Seasoned with salt, pepper, dill and a bit of lemon juice...



Served up with some cilantro potatoes...the pork chop was out of this world. That marinade made a great and flavorful pallete.



I'm not sure I've ever seen the GFS Ensemble this confused before. More than you ever wanted to know about tropical storm tracking models...HERE!

Sunday, August 24, 2008

Desperate for Dirt

Five days of rain killed any hope of riding on dirt this weekend. Instead, I rode my new ITL route twice this weekend. *Click* the little pic, for a bigger one. This was better on the north end. The traffic on 43rd is eskeery so I took that part out. This route works pretty well. There's still traffic, but there are also some long stretches to extend the legs. I want to try one more addition, a stretch down Allen Pkwy. That should yield one more long uninterrupted stretch. As it stands this route is exactly 40 miles.

Some sights along the way... At the Memorial Park Nature Center they are teaching a mushroom identification seminar! Hmmm... I wonder if they will teach which ones are the "good" ones! HA!



The new ITL route takes us by the HPD horse stables on N.Post Oak... We stopped to pet them for a moment. Horses are so cool. Second only to dogs.



Hoping for things to dry out. Last week was supposed to focus on dirt riding.

Sunday, August 17, 2008

LA Weekend

Started my Friday and Sunday here. Highland Coffees - one of the best!



No better to start out the day... a rich cup of coffee and time to relax.

I came over to Baton Rouge to visit two old friends. Hmm... I don't mean they are old! Just that we've been friends for a very long time. T'was good to catch up, and enjoy some fun together. Friday/Saturday was a trip to NOLA for a show at the Maple Leaf and some cycling.

It's been a while since I've been back to BR. Some things remain wonderfully unchanged!



But others... well... I was pretty horrified to find this at the North Gates along Nicholson. *click* on the photo to get more pix...

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

A Great Block

Yesterday wrapped up probably the best two weeks of training to date. Training gains aren't linear. It's hard sometimes to keep the faith through those times that feel futile. Then BAM! Instant improvements... Need more dirt time...

A simple meal tonight. First I pan-browned some chicken breasts. Then degalzed the skillet with a touch of white wine. Then sauteed some garilc and onions until just brown. Added some chipped cherry tomatoes. And some more white wine!


Right at the end added some kalamata olives and fresh parsley. Served up with some potatoes. For the potatoes I chopped some fresh-out-the-garden cilantro and steeped it in 2 tablespoons of olive oil for about an hour. Then mixed with the cooked potatoes.



Tasty!

Thursday, August 7, 2008

ITL Route #2

Still looking for the perfect ITL training loop. This was my route today. 40 miles of tempo pace, almost completely in the loop. *Click* it to enlarge. I don't like the north part of the loop. 43rd is really busy weekdays. It's OK on the weekend though. The south side is pretty good. Buffalo Speedway just north of Braeswood is super rough. Ended up riding almost that whole stretch standing up. Felt like Memorial Park's roots!

I have some ideas...

Sunday, August 3, 2008

Austin Weekend

Took a quick trip to Austin over the weekend. Went to The Backyard for the Snoop Dogg and 311 show. Good times! When in Austin, eat at this place...Torchy's Tacos...



Damn good indeed! Awesome tacos! Seriously, like the best I've ever had. YUM! Thanks to Gard for steering us to this place, and being a gracious host!