cyclocross racing

Kids and dogs eat oats, wouldn’t you?

by Cassidy Stockton in Cycling
Last Sunday marked the last official Cyclocross race for our team. It was a gloriously foggy, fall day caked in mud where the Hillsboro Fair Grounds gave new meaning to walking gingerly. Bikers hustled through puddles that more closely resembled ponds and often found it easier to traverse the course carrying their steeds than trying to ride them.

Our team showed extra spirit this week while riding and slinging oats. There was an overall sense of excitement in the air. Working at each of these events has been rewarding for me personally. Just feeling the buzz in the air and handing over steaming bowls of oatmeal to mud covered grown-ups, over-bundled kiddies and even a dog or two, is invigorating. The energy is palpable and you find yourself hopping obstacles on your way across the grounds just to get in on a bit of the action.

While I may not be ready to throw my hat in the ring next year, I am looking forward to being part of this amazing community of cyclists. With the help of Cross Crusaders, our riders have raised $3,457 for the Community Cycling Center. That’s nearly 70 bikes for kids in need! I can’t think of a better way to start the holiday season.

If you haven’t made it to a race yet, it’s not too late. The Portland Cup: US Grand Prix race is December 6-7 at the Portland International Raceway. Come on out, support the riders and get some hot oatmeal!

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Cassidy Stockton Google: Cassidy Stockton
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bobs booth chicago

Gluten Free Italian in Chicago!

by Cassidy Stockton in Gluten Free
Lori Sobelson, Program Director for our Whole Grain Store (left), and I had the privilege of traveling to Chicago last week for the American Dietetic Association’s Annual Food and Nutrition Conference and Expo. It was a delight to meet dieticians, doctors and educators interested in nutrition. I am always astounded by the lack of nutritional education in many doctors and I really enjoyed the opportunity to educate people about whole grains and gluten free foods.

While we did not have much time for sightseeing, we did get the opportunity to have dinner with Renee Zonka from Kendall College,

Carol Fenster from Savory Palate, and Jean Duane from Alternative Cook. Carol and Jean follow a gluten free diet and Renee was kind enough to bring us to Da Lucianos, a family owned Italian restaurant specializing in gluten free pastas and baked goods. The food was amazing and the desserts even better.

Jean (left) and Carol (right) reviewing the gluten free menu- so many options!

The Libreri family was very kind and takes gluten free cooking seriously; with four of their seven children having celiac disease, they fully understand what cross contact means. The family prepares all of their gluten free pastas and desserts in the morning and all of their gluten-containing pastas in the afternoon. The kitchen is scrubbed after preparation of the gluten-containing items and again after the restaurant is closed to prevent any gluten from lingering.

Rosalia Libreri personally ensured that all of the special dietary needs of our party were met and even brought out a special plate of cookies that were dairy-free, gluten-free and out-of-this-world. You can order their pastas, sauces and desserts online at their website.

Here I am pictured with Lori and Renee (right), enjoying the warm atmosphere and good company.

About The Author
Cassidy Stockton Google: Cassidy Stockton
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