Sorry for the long silence. I get all these ideas to write big long blogs as I am riding but I don't find the time. I am writing this blog so that I can stop you from wondering how my training is coming. I am doing very well. Truly enjoying the training. For the first time in my life, I let myself spend entire days outside in the summer heat. I have learnt to endure the heat and touch wood its going well.
Five years back when I trained for the marathon, I had a support group to train with. This time, I am doing it by myself with only the online training guidance. My sister shudders at this thought. I am not alone though and its not boring. I get support from local businesses around the trail. I take a break every 10 miles or so to cool of. Its a win-win for us. I get the support I need and they get my business. Wanted to write this blog to share my pleasant experience with these businesses.
Cafe Silva - Coffee shop by the trail. Love this place. I make it a point to stop there whenever I do long rides. The owner generously fills up my waterbottle with refreshing green iced tea. It makes the next 10miles feel like a breeze. I wrote a separate blog about them.
Dallas Bikeworks - My favorite bike shop in town. Its conveniently located by the trail and the train station. I have gone there several times. Their staff are always attentive, knowledgeable and courteous. Most of the time, I break something and wait for them to open. Today morning, in my half woken up state, I somehow broke the tube valve and let out all the air. Thankfully, I was able to take the bike by train to their shop. The fun thing is, I take it in for one thing and they will look at all other things that need fixing like tightening a cable or taping up my handlebar. Thanks Bikeworks for looking out for me! They recycled my old helmet responsibly! I will love it if they recycled all their tires and other bakeshop waste. Recycle Revolution should be able to help them.
Green Spot - I have started going there since I started doing 60miles. They are my kind of business. Love their shop. They have a small taco stand which closes at 3pm. Their tacos are yummy but make sure to specify that you don't want it in foil. They will serve you in paper plate if you ask. Their Kombuchas are awesome and are made with organic ingredients. Their staff are friendly and knowledgeable. Their cups and cutleries are compostable. They have separate compost and recycle bin. They also sell bio-diesel! They are one of few close to zero-waste facilities in Dallas. Check it out.
Unrefined Bakery - I discovered them today! Had my lunch there after I missed the tacos at Green spot. Oh, its a great find. They only use organic produce at this eatery. Their foods are completely gluten-free. All their breads are freshly made there. Their staff are very knowledgeable and cheerful. They have organic, gluten-free, vegan pastries. I had a sandwich there which was made with gluten-free bread. I only wish they will start recycling. It will only complete their concept. As I always say, "We get our nutrients from EARTH. If we are not kind to EARTH, even if we use the best ingredients, the foods will not nourish us". I hope to find out what kind of logistic problem they have in implementing recycling and work with them to get that squared away.
Thanks guys. With you buy by side, I can endure Texas heat to get ready for my Ride.
Five years back when I trained for the marathon, I had a support group to train with. This time, I am doing it by myself with only the online training guidance. My sister shudders at this thought. I am not alone though and its not boring. I get support from local businesses around the trail. I take a break every 10 miles or so to cool of. Its a win-win for us. I get the support I need and they get my business. Wanted to write this blog to share my pleasant experience with these businesses.
Cafe Silva - Coffee shop by the trail. Love this place. I make it a point to stop there whenever I do long rides. The owner generously fills up my waterbottle with refreshing green iced tea. It makes the next 10miles feel like a breeze. I wrote a separate blog about them.
Dallas Bikeworks - My favorite bike shop in town. Its conveniently located by the trail and the train station. I have gone there several times. Their staff are always attentive, knowledgeable and courteous. Most of the time, I break something and wait for them to open. Today morning, in my half woken up state, I somehow broke the tube valve and let out all the air. Thankfully, I was able to take the bike by train to their shop. The fun thing is, I take it in for one thing and they will look at all other things that need fixing like tightening a cable or taping up my handlebar. Thanks Bikeworks for looking out for me! They recycled my old helmet responsibly! I will love it if they recycled all their tires and other bakeshop waste. Recycle Revolution should be able to help them.
Green Spot - I have started going there since I started doing 60miles. They are my kind of business. Love their shop. They have a small taco stand which closes at 3pm. Their tacos are yummy but make sure to specify that you don't want it in foil. They will serve you in paper plate if you ask. Their Kombuchas are awesome and are made with organic ingredients. Their staff are friendly and knowledgeable. Their cups and cutleries are compostable. They have separate compost and recycle bin. They also sell bio-diesel! They are one of few close to zero-waste facilities in Dallas. Check it out.
Unrefined Bakery - I discovered them today! Had my lunch there after I missed the tacos at Green spot. Oh, its a great find. They only use organic produce at this eatery. Their foods are completely gluten-free. All their breads are freshly made there. Their staff are very knowledgeable and cheerful. They have organic, gluten-free, vegan pastries. I had a sandwich there which was made with gluten-free bread. I only wish they will start recycling. It will only complete their concept. As I always say, "We get our nutrients from EARTH. If we are not kind to EARTH, even if we use the best ingredients, the foods will not nourish us". I hope to find out what kind of logistic problem they have in implementing recycling and work with them to get that squared away.
Thanks guys. With you buy by side, I can endure Texas heat to get ready for my Ride.
