End of Year Musings

2008 is nearly on the books. Quite a year for me: new job(s), new home, new state, new friends, old friends, back to racing, lots of cooking, and a little bit of blogging. I'm pretty happy with the year and think that 2009 will top 2008.

So with 2009, big things are on the horizon. First and foremost, it is now official, I've inked an offer to ride with Activity, a Stuttgart, Germany based top amateur cycling team. After thinking that my euro racing dreams were over, this incredible offer came across the pond. So end of February, I leave the Unreality, and start with a training camp in Mallorca then racing season starts. Its going to be a whirlwind of excitement, energy, fatigue, cultural obscurities, funny stories, euro hawks & mullets, and lots of coffee. I'll be tracking my Euro Adventure Part Deux extensively through my World Wide Web pulpit. Not every exciting offer comes without some sadness. I'll be away from some very close people but without their support, I don't think I could take on this adventure in fullness.

So now I have to get prepared for the little New Year's Partay my lady and I are hosting at my place in Niwot. What's on the menu? A international selection of finger/small/tapas dishes. Potstickers, Maki, Empanadas, Guac, Salsa, and a surprise special desert.

So if you are in Boulder, get your butt over here and partay with the coolest cats on the Front Range.
Chow

The Votes are In!

Thanks to all who participated in the much hyped, BearClaw granola flavor. Gingerbread Man won a convincingly 64% of the popular vote, no electoral college bs here. And for all of you who prescribed to the focus group, your sweet surprise is going in the mail this week.

Weekend update...Skate skiing with my Sherpa on Friday was good. Got a few pointers on double-poling and it made a significant difference. Looking forward to more advanced and improved times on the skate skis. Put in a nice 3 hr session on the cross bike on Saturday. Roads were rather clear but I was wanting to get some extra strength in. Good sensations during the 12-15min strength efforts and the 2-4min VO2 efforts.

Sunday, I made dreams come true. Able to get in a 2hrs prior. Hit up the CO State Cyclocross Championship course. Did a practice lap...damn I miss racing.

Chow,
Claw

Cross-training Boulder Style

Training this week has gone pretty good. Battled a little bonk on Tuesday. Need to eat a little more as I'm not use to burning the calories b/c of the cooler temps. Better now than in a race. Won't let that one happen again. Yesterday, I hit up the North Boulder Rec Center. As with anything in Boulder, its a little over the top for public spaces. Strength is coming along nicely and I'm keeping lean.

Today, I did a little cross-training b/c it was dumping snow. I think we ended getting 5" after it was only expected to accumulate up to 2". So i hit up North Boulder Park and got my xc skiing on. Boulder Nordic groomed it and the masses were out. Well over 100+, mostly skate skiers. I was one of a few doing classic. Saw a bunch of junior nordic racers. For sports and outdoor activities boulder is definitely a child's paradise as well as the adult. So after an hour of classic work, I rolled home, only to see that the temps were in the teens. Got my warming sensations on with some tomato-turkey soup. It was goooood.

Picked up a used pair of skate skies at Sports Recycler in NoBo. Tomorrow morning before I make dreams come true in the bike shop, I will put in a good skate session.

Enjoy the pics...
chow,
Matthew

Seasonal Offerings

I've been told that I need to update, well here it is. The granola and muesli production is in full swing. Training is going well, and all is good on the Front Range. So what has your adventurer been up too? As the previous sentence stated, several things. As you might recall, over a year and a half ago I was experimenting with some energy bar production. After several focus group sessions and countless personal tastings while on the bike, I have gotten back into production. This time, my skills are more refined and I'm hitting the granola and muesli markets. Breakfast foods have always been dear to my heart. I didn't want to become a one-trick pony so i needed to have diversification in my culinary quiver. And I'm not going to pay for boxed cereal or granola that is way to sweet and ridiculously overpriced. Interesting enough, I would be more than happy to sell my granola for the gourmet price that it seems to attract nowadays. Along with granola, nature's candy, I'm pushing out lots of muesli as well. Now if you have ever read a euro cyclist eating habits you will notice the aforementioned many times along with choco spread(nutella) on fresh baguette. You now ask yourself, what is this potion that brings the good sensations the euro riders talk of? Well first off, muesli is a European version of granola. Whereas granola as we know it is often cooked in the oven and formed into clumps, muesli is cooked oats with different cereal grains and often times fruit. Or if you are in Belgium, little delicious choco shavings. Both are dense in nutrients and high in fiber which perform two duties: provide a full, long lasting energy as well as keep your inner workings in check. After getting back from my euro campaign last year, I was saddened to not find muesli. And when I did find it, I was quickly defeated by the Euro/$ trade deficit. How could something in Euroland cost $2.75 and in the US cost $6.00? Well the economist in me immediately thought Muesli arbitrage! But the foodie in me thought, hmm, I bet I could corner the muesli market and introduce this Euro delicacy to the masses so they all can have good sensations on the bike, in the office, on the run, or in sun(just a little rhyming for you). After much mind deliberating, I have started my muesli production. I like to consider it trial phase 1 and gourmet b/c production is highly limited until I source out my commercial kitchen space.

So, with the fall season being the uber best time of the year for foodies, I'm currently producing:
Apple-Spice Granola

Pumpkin Pie Granola

Almond-Coconut Muesli


As my techniques continue to improve and flavorings more advanced, I encourage you to sign up for my focus groups. What will you get? Aside from the spectacular experience of being part of the US Granola/Muesli market takeover, you get a free and delicious foods that provide you with good sensations that will better your life. Plus you get to provide feedback to me and help me take on this long-conceived venture.

Also, you need to check out the new poll and vote on a favorite flavor for the next trial period.

See the photos for what you can enjoy. And email me your name/address and I will send you out some samples.

Chow,
Matthew