Archive for Biking
Food, Fun and Friends
Posted by: | CommentsI haven’t gotten out much in the last week. I think after the holidays and traveling I kind of wanted to hunker down and stay home. Today I’m wishing I was a bear so I could hibernate.
Just because I haven’t been going out doesn’t mean I haven’t been having fun and eating delicious meals.
On Friday morning, I went for a tour at the new Larkspur Hotel in Mill Valley. I’m interviewing hotels looks for the best one to host the Mountain Biking Marin Cross Country Mountain Bike Adventure coming up in May of this year. I was very impressed with this new hotel. It’s located on Highway 1 in Mill Valley right off of Highway 101, next to Frantoio. The Larkspur Hotel has done an amazing job remodeling the hotel (formally the Holiday Inn Express) and I was very impressed with Greg, the General Manager and Cassie, the Sales Manager. The hotel is beautiful, has a view of the bay and Mt. Tam and is located right next to the bike/walk path that will take you in to Sausalito or Mill Valley. I was wowed by the people and the place. I plan to recommend this hotel to Celia for the Mountain Biking Marin adventure.
I almost forgot to mention. Cassie from the Larkspur Hotel gave me a goodie bag when I was leaving. Among other things, it had a solar powered plastic flower that moves when the sun shines on it. Really, I think this is what sealed the deal. 
It goes nicely with the wind-up toys and purple pens in my office. (All reminders to me that life is about having fun.)
After my meeting at the hotel I met with Marilyn LoRusso, aka @Fun_Master at Cafe del Sol in Tam Junction and spent the afternoon chatting about social media and making life fun (Marilyn has some great tips on how to stay in the fun mode). I enjoyed sipping on a delicious ginger limeade during our meeting.
Then on Friday night we had a small dinner party. Since one of my fabulous neighbors gave me a gift certificate to Whole Foods I splurged on a yummy meal. We started with brie cheese and olive bread for appetizers while I prepared blackened salmon, roasted veggies, broiled asparagus, and salad. We finished the meal off with some Porto from our visit to the Napa Valley Wineries and yummy dessert.
I used the blackened salmon recipe I found on RealSimple.com. It was delicious!
Thanksgiving Rambling
Posted by: | CommentsHappy Thanksgiving!
I haven’t blogged in awhile because I’ve been away. I just returned from a wonderful, relaxing, sun-filled vacation in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. I spent the whole week relaxing in the sun (under the palapa), on the beach and in front of the pool. I went off the grid (no internet or phone) for the whole week. I personally believe all of us should go off the grid for at least one week a year, more if possible. It’s nice to unplug for awhile, slow down and get a new perspective on life.
A friend of mine that was in a horrendous car accident a year and half ago (head on collision on the Golden Gate Bridge) said something that has really stuck with me. Someone asked her how she was doing (she was in the hospital for over a year recovering and was bedridden). She said, she finally had time to finish her thoughts. That statement really stuck with me. Do you have time to finish your thoughts? I don’t. I find that I am often distracted mid-thought and never come back to the original thought. Since she said that I’ve been trying to take the time to finish my thoughts. It’s not easy with so many distractions in the world… Twitter, Facebook, email, Google, the phone, etc.
Back to my original thought… Thanksgiving. What are you doing for Thanksgiving this year? I’m laying low having a mellow Thanksgiving. I normally spend Thanksgiving with some version of my very extended family but this year we decided to lay low on Thanksgiving. Two good friends are coming to visit and the four of us are going out to eat for Thanksgiving. We made reservations at a local restaurant. I am so looking forward to this quiet Thanksgiving where the only thing I have to do is show up at a restaurant.
The morning of Thanksgiving Celia is going on the annual Turkey ride in Marin. I think this is one of her most favorite mountain bike rides of the year because she gets to see all of her friends all in one place at the same time. It sounds like lots of fun, almost makes me wish I were a mountain biker.
Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Mountain Bike Clinic
Posted by: | CommentsMountain Biking Marin is presenting a special Cross Country (XC) and Downhill (DH) weekend clinic in October.
This special two-day Mountain Bike event is designed for riders that want to improve their XC and DH techniques.
You can sign up for just one day or sign up for both days. There will be a pizza and beer party on Saturday night at Mike’s Bikes in San Rafael.
The clinic is on Saturday, 10/17/09 and Sunday, 10/18/09.
Visit: http://mountainbikingmarin.com/bike-skill-clinic-october-09.htm for more information.
Special guest instructor: Pro DH & XC racer Johanna Weintrager will be co-teaching.
Jobs Around The Bay
Posted by: | CommentsSince looking for a job is on many people’s minds these days, I thought it would be fun to interview Jane Groner. Jane specializes in helping people find jobs. Jane Groner is the CEO of Pacific Placement Group, Inc located in San Francisco.
What exactly do you do?
I am the CEO of Pacific Placement Group, a full service boutique staffing agency in San Francisco. We have been in business since 1982 and place both Temporary and direct–hire administrative staffing at all levels. We strive to counsel people, help them with resumes and work with top companies. Many are venture capital firms, private equity firms, technology and biotech industries. We feel we provide an invaluable service to our clients as we screen and test our candidates and try to find people that will be good fits for the corporate culture of their company and who will add value. We are a “woman certified” company and represent companies in the Bay Area with most clients being in SF or the Peninsula. My staff is extremely professional and I have a Master’s Degree in Counseling, which has come in handy in helping applicants find jobs thru our services or on their own.
What is your favorite restaurant in the Bay Area?
Aqua in San Francisco.
Where is your favorite place to shop for clothing?
The Little Black Dress in Tiburon…have great unusual things and Caroline the owner is great at helping one dress. Must go by appointment as Caroline keeps the door locked… strange but has wonderful things… from head to toe
What do you love most about the Bay Area?
I love the beautiful outdoors..live for good weather and being able to bike and hike
Favorite place to hike or bike? Hike Mt Tam and bike a lot to Tiburon, sometimes, Mill Valley to Corte Madera, to Larkspur and back thru Tiburon..all road biking
Favorite place to take your dog?
I take my dog Harry on hikes all over Marin..he loves it..but gets pretty covered with leaves and dirt..as he is a white cotton and his coat is like Velcro.
Favorite independent bookstore in the Bay Area?
Book Passage
Best place for coffee?
Tully’s but often go to Starbucks as it is close by.
Anything else you would like to share with our readers?
We are a very privileged group of people to live in Paradise, have beauty surrounding us everywhere we go and we must take care of ourselves and our environment and vow to make this a kinder world for all.
Thanks Jane!
Jane’s story about her dog Harry reminded me of one of my favorite children’s books Harry the Dirty Dog.
Downieville
Posted by: | CommentsDownieville is not exactly the Bay Area but you can drive to it from the Bay Area in about 3.5 – 4 hours. That counts, right?
A few weeks ago Celia and I and a group of mountain biking friends headed to Downieville for a mini vacation. Downieville is famous for it’s Downieville Classic Mountain Bike Race. Downieville is one of my favorite places. I LOVE Downieville. I go there at least once every year.
Downieville is a beautiful small town located on the Yuba river in Sierra County. It’s a total escape for me to get away from my fast paced Bay Area life style and just simply relax for a few days. The town of Downieville is also very dog friendly. Poncho had a great time swimming in the river. He literally spent hours in the river.
My favorite thing to do in Downieville is to go to the beach and just chill by the river. Sometimes, I even get in the river although it is a tad bit cold for my taste. However, I do enjoy floating on the river on my inner tube. 
Other people like to mountain bike, fish or pan for gold.
We always stay at the Downieville Riverside Inn. We love it there, the inn keeper’s Mike and Nancy are super friendly and the place is very nice. The Inn is located right on the Yuba River so you can hear the river rushing by when you are falling asleep. The room we stay in has a balcony right over the river and also comes with a kitchen. Breakfast is included and is served in a living room. Every morning we sit around living room chatting with Mike, Nancy or some of the other guests while drinking delicious fresh brewed coffee and eating bagels with lox and cream cheese.
I usually go to Downieville the first week in July so I am there for the 4th of July celebrations. They have a small town parade on the 4th that is so much fun. Here are some pictures from past years.
The best part of the parade is at the very end when they roll out a big giant roll of plastic bubbles and everyone steps on them at the same time. It sounds exactly like a big firework show.
The locals of Downieville have always been super welcoming and fun to hang out with. They are even up for some friendly competition in the tug-o-war (locals against visitors) and the foot races.
There are only a few options of places to eat in Downieville: the Grubstake and the Pizza Place. There is also an Ice Cream shop and a a small local market for groceries that has a cafe in the back of the store. I noticed a new restaurant called the Wooden Trout Cafe just opened within the last year as well. I did not get a chance to try it but heard it was good. If you stay at the Riverside Inn and get a room with a kitchen you can cook there or use their BBQ.
If you are looking for a fun, relaxing and friendly place to escape to I highly recommend going to Downieville and staying at the Riverside Inn.
The Riverside Inn is located right on the river at:
206 Commercial Street
Downieville, CA
888.883.5100
downieville.us
Want to be a better Mountain Biker?
Posted by: | CommentsMountain Biking in Marin is a very popular sport. People come from all over the world to ride the trails of Marin County. Mountain Biking is also a great way to meet people in the Bay Area. It is a very social sport. You will often see many mountain bikers socializing at Iron Springs Pub & Brewery in Fairfax after a day of riding.
My motto this summer is to do something every week to get out of my comfort zone and I challenge my readers to do the same. I will be listing various fun events I hear about to give you some ideas. I’d love to hear what you do to get out of your comfort zone this summer.
Break Out of Comfort Zone Idea #1 – Sign Up for Mountain Bike Skill Clinic
Have you been thinking about becoming a mountain biker? Do you wish you had more technical skills?
Mountain Biking Marin is offering a few Summer Mountain Bike Skill Clinics for people of all levels. Great for locals and visitors.
The clinics are on July 12, July 14 and July 19. Visit Mountain Biking Marin‘s Website to find out more information.
I’m looking for more break out of comfort zone ideas to share with my readers. If you know of any please leave a comment letting us know.
Thanks!
This is not an example of peace on the trails
Posted by: | CommentsPlacing nails pointy side up on the trails is not okay. This nail was found in the bike tire of a friend. The nail got in the tire on a trail that is legal for bikes. We have been finding these nails on various trails in Marin County. Finding one in a bike tire is bad enough. I’m so glad I have not found one in my dog’s paw. Seriously people can we try get along? Peace is possible.
Around the Bay in May
Posted by: | CommentsUpcoming Events in Marin and San Francisco
May 10, 2009 – Mother’s Day
Free Museum Admissions on Mother’s Day – all around the bay!
May 14, 2009
Bike to Work Day – Marin County
May 16, 2009
Marin Women’s Dance, Greenbrae, CA
www.marinwomensdance.com
May 17, 2009
Bay To Breakers – The San Francisco annual footrace.
History of the Bay to Breakers
May 17, 2009
Mountain Bike Film Festival, San Rafael, CA
www.access4bikes.com
May 21, 2009
LGBT-Friendly Business Networking Event – Mill Valley, CA
A great networking opportunity for entrepreneurs and people looking to learn about LGBT-friendly businesses in Marin.
www.spectrumlgbtcenter.org
May 30, 2009
WordCamp San Francisco
All of May
Marin Local Music – lots of music events happening in Marin and around the bay in May. Event Calendar: www.marinlocalmusic.com/calendar
