This weekend marks the beginning of the seven-week River City Bicycles Cross Crusade Cyclocross. If you’re anything like me, you just scratched your head and said “Cyclocross? That sure sounds like it involves bikes, but what is it?”

According to Wikipedia, Cyclocross is a form of bicycle racing. The racing typically happens during autumn and winter. The course features pavement, wooded trails, grass, steep hills and obstacles requiring the rider to quickly dismount, carry the bike while navigating the terrain and remount. As defined by some of the Bob’s Red Mill participants, “it’s a whole heap of fun, mud and exercise on a cold, drizzly morning.”

No matter how you look at it, it’s sure to be a spectacle. We have three employees who will be participating in the Portland races this year and we are decking out in our rain gear to support them. The first event is being hosted by Alpenrose Dairy in Southwest Portland on October 5th. Races begin at 9 am and continue through the day with the last rast beginning at 2:30 pm.

I’ll be there cheering on our folks throughout the day. Come on down and show your support for these driven athletes! More information about River City Bicycles Cross Crusade can be found here.


photos courtesy of River City Bicycles Cross Crusade Cyclocross

Did you know that September is whole grains month? I bet not. I bet you didn’t know today is International Talk like a Pirate Day either. Avast, me hearties! I forgot! Or maybe I just chose not to talk like a pirate today. After all, I know very few phrases and speak “whole grain” much better than “pirate.”

Fortunately, I didn’t forget that September is whole grains month and have been celebrating all month long*. If you forgot, not to fear- you can still celebrate your favorite whole grains this month. Our friends at the Whole Grains Council have some wonderful suggestions to get you started:

I’ll buy three different loaves of whole-grain bread and taste all of them to see which one we like best.

I’ll serve bulgur or brown rice instead of potatoes with dinner one night this month.

I’ll look for the Whole Grain Stamp every time I shop.

I’ll try a new breakfast cereal with at least 16 grams of whole grain per serving.

I’ll buy some whole-wheat pasta and try it.

I’ll visit the health food store or a major grocery and look at all the different grains in bins.

I’ll make my favorite whole grain recipe for a friend.

On the weekend, I’ll try cooking a pot of steel-cut oatmeal.

Find more ideas to get the celebration started here. Enjoy the bounty!

*I confess, I did forget. Luckily for me, every month is whole grains month at Bob’s Red Mill.

Late summer is a very busy time for us at the mill. Really, we’re pretty busy all year round. This time of year is one of our favorites, though. The end of summer means that most of us are finally finishing up major summer projects and reenergizing to start new ones.

Lately, employees have been generously bringing extra produce from their gardens to share, which sparks wonderful conversations of favorite dishes. Recipes are traded, secrets are shared and stories are told. Food has an amazing way of bringing back memories of days gone by and reminding us of where we came from.

For me, personally, I have been delighting in kale this summer and am sad to see it disappearing from market stands. Gently sauted in olive oil with garlic and onions and served over a bed of quinoa- delightful! It reminds me of cooking with my mother, laughing and sharing stories from the day.

What are your fondest food memories from this summer?