Tag Archives: Recumbent Trike

Is Chocolate Milk the Best Recovery Drink?

I’ve always found chocolate milk a convenient and delicious way to pickup some much-needed energy on a long, hot ride.  It’s available at almost every gas station and convenience store.  It tastes great, and it doesn’t leave me feeling full and gassy.  I’m not the only one who thinks it a good idea.

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Chocolate milk has gained a lot of popularity as a post-workout recovery drink. Perhaps you have wondered why and if it’s right for you.

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Final, and best, stop: Hawk’s Cay Resort, Duck Key, Florida

Our bike trip came to an end (and a great road trip it was) at Hawk’s Cay Resort. It is a beautiful place located on Duck’s Key. It was a short week ago that we left the car here. They were very gracious and let us leave the car while we went riding.

It is a beautiful property. Between the spa, docks, pools, and scenery, it was just the right place for us to land after staying in some funky places along the way. It is one of the most service oriented places we have stayed in a long time. We were there on a shoulder season so our room price was quite good. It is a fairly expensive place to stay but so worth it.

We rode up to the front of the place and dropped off our bags. Then we went to the parking lot and packed up the bikes before we checked in. The room was lovely and the bathroom had a wonderfully large shower. We both really enjoyed it after our ride and after all of the not so great showers along the way.

It was a bit late for lunch and too early for dinner so we went to the tiki bar for a celebratory drink (okay, we were ready for a drink) and some munchies. We had some chips and salsa and some popcorn shrimp. They were so delicious. The bartenders are fun as well. The drink (mojitos) were good. They held us over for dinner.

Hawks Cay Tiki Bar

We walked around the property just to see what is there. It is a great place for families with lots of interesting pools including one that is not quite a pool but a lagoon that has a sandy bottom and filled with some fish so younger children can experience the sea in a safe environment.

There is lots of adult recreation as well with fishing, diving, kite boarding, paddle boarding, sea kayaking, and any other water sport anyone can think of. There is also lots of places to just sit at the dock of the bay.

hawks Cay dock

I would imagine it would be a great spot for a business meeting although who wants to be in a meeting room when they can be outside for all the things to do. I didn’t see a golf course but it may be there. They have a big tennis area with pros that provide lessons.

We had dinner in Alma (their elegantly informal restaurant). Their wine list is quite good. The service is excellent. We shared with the garlic shrimp as an appetizer.

Hawks Cay garlic shrimp

 

It was just yummy. Basically, we wanted to lick the plate. Mike had the paella and it was very good. I ordered a steak because after all of the seafood and fish we ate, I needed a steak.

Hawks Cay steak

While it was good, it was delivered a little cool. I would have sent it back but I was just too hungry so I let it slide but I did tell the waiter. They took the steak off of our bill which I thought was exceptional since I didn’t send it back. They also called us later that evening to offer a bottle of wine because of the cool steak. We thought they were incredibly gracious. We would go back there again simply because of their service.

We had breakfast the next morning in Ocean that had a very good buffet or you can order off a menu.

We left that morning for home. What a trip. We loved the Florida Keys, our excellent adventure, and hope to return sometime soon especially to Hawk’s Cay.

Hawk Cay front with car

Barnacle Bill’s Bed and Breakfast is a must stay place. It is so much fun and doesn’t take itself seriously.

What can anyone say about Barnacle Bill’s Bed and Breakfast. It is definitely an “off kilter” wonderful place on Big Pine Key. They usually require a two-night stay but we were able to stay for one night. It was very special, very eclectic, quirky, or any other odd name we could call it.

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The River Mountains Loop Trail and Historic Railroad Tunnel Trail in Henderson, Nevada

The city of Henderson is just 16 miles from downtown Las Vegas.  It not a place you naturally associate with cycling,  but in fact, Henderson is home for two outstanding bike trails – The River Mountains Loop Trail and the associated Historic  Railroad Tunnel Trail.

When living in southern California,  we occasionally would to head to Vegas for a weekend.   Often we would pack our trikes along with us, and then head over to these trails during the day.  Mac even came with us once.  We always had an amazing time and totally enjoyed the rides.

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A New Route North From Lakewood Ranch

I spend a lot of time cycling the roads and trails nearest my home here in Lakewood Ranch.  So it is always exciting when a new route opens up that provides a different route from home.  Recently, a new way out of Lakewood Ranch, into the areas north of SR64 has become available.  This may be old news to the folks that are more plugged into the cycling community here in the Ranch, but for me this new route is kind of a big deal.

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Ordering food in at the B&B: China Garden, Big Pine Key, Florida

Day 3 we were on our way. Since we stayed at a B&B, we either had to ride our bikes to a late lunch or dinner (not a good option) or call for takeout (a better option). We had a choice of Chinese food or pizza. Can anyone out there guess what we did?

Continue reading Ordering food in at the B&B: China Garden, Big Pine Key, Florida

Nine One Five (Duval St.) Key West, Florida

We arrived in Key West the third day! Yahoo, there are some good restaurants for us to enjoy. We were hungry because we didn’t stop for lunch, but we wanted to have a nice dinner. We decided to try Nine One Five on Duval Street.

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Day 7 – From Little Torch Key to Hawks Cay

Today is the last day of cycling on our Key West Tour.  We’re a little sad that it will soon be over, but we are looking forward to a great day of riding .  Are we are definitely looking forward to reaching The Hawks Cay Resort and getting in some quality relaxing time.

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Day 6 – Heading Back to Little Torch Key

After yesterday’s adventure in the kayaks, I’m ready to get back on the trikes.  Although we would love to stay here and play for a few more days, our time in Key West is done.  It’s time to start riding back toward home.

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Day 5 – Kayaking in the Mangroves

Ahhhh.  Another day in paradise.  The sun rises into a clear bright blue sky as we peek out the window from the Authors Guesthouse.   We’ve got another play day planned.   No trike riding today.  Today we will go kayaking  in the mangrove jungles that surround Key West.

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