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Get Rid of the Winter Chill with some Warm Baked Goods!

2014-06-05 16.40.41This morning, I woke up and discovered it was so cold outside, I had to both physically and mentally brace myself before taking the dogs out for a potty break. Granted, PDX isn’t going through the winter extravaganza the rest of the country goes through, but that doesn’t mean it’s not cold out.

There’s nothing like baked goods during the colder months of the season to take the chill out of a freezing morning. That’s why we’re always excited to deliver for our baking friends around Portland. Whether it’s a quick way to start your morning, a sit down meal, or a dessert you get to treat yourself to afterward, baked goods will always have a special place in out hearts.

Check out some of the businesses we deliver for that can help take the chill out of these winter days:

Pearl Bakery creates traditional artisan baked goods, making everything from scratch on a daily basis. Pearl uses the best ingredients they can get their hands on, sourcing locally whenever possible. You will find a global menu at Pearl, with everything from classic all-butter French croissants, to tender Italian ciabatta loaves, to rustic scones and pastries.

Gluten Free GEM Bakery specializes in pastries and desserts that featuring strict gluten-free ingredients. The bakery also accommodates vegan diets, dairy free lifestyles, and most common food allergies, all while keeping a delicious, hand crafted taste unique to the bakery.

Portland Bagelworks offers freshly baked and handcrafted daily with local, fresh ingredients and have a delicious exterior that is scored for better crust and more toppings. Bagelworks strives to make bagels that are Portland Style, using locally sourced ingredients you can only find in our corner of the world.

Delicious Donuts creates everything from burritos to bagels to, of course, donuts. The founder of Delicious Donuts, Boun, has been fine tuning his creative process for the last decade, creating only the best of bear claws, the most appealing apple fritters, and the most savory cinnamon rolls.

While we can’t change the temperature, we can get a cupcake into your hands! And that’s comfort worth having. We want to make sure you’re not suffering the cold! Come visit us and get yourself a warm treat this morning.


Don’t Let the Rain Keep You Indoors!

As it gets cold and wet outside, it may be tempting to hang up the helmet and call the riding season over. It’s getting slightly miserable out there, and it seems like only the crazy would be pedaling on the streets this time of year. (we should know, we deliver in all kinds of weather!)

Even if you choose not to commute by bike while it’s wet out, that doesn’t mean you should stop riding entirely. After all, it’s not like we cycle purely for the sake of getting from point A to point B!

Here are a few reasons to keep cycling, even if it means getting a little wet during your trip:

Cycling is good for your muscles: If you’ve been on a bike for more than a few minutes, you should be familiar with a burning sensation in your legs. This is, of course, a good thing. Cycling is great for improving the muscles in your thighs, calves, and rear.

Cycling can help with joint conditions: Because cycling is considered a low-impact form of exercise, it can be especially beneficial for those who can’t take part in other higher impact exercises (jogging for example).

Cycling increases lifespan: Cycling has been linked to improving cardiovascular health, and drastically decreases your risk of heart disease. According to the British Medical Association, cycling just 20 miles a week can reduce the risk of coronary heart disease by 50%. Discovery Magazine even writes cycling can improve your immune system, and has even shown evidence of fighting cancer. Even when adjusted for risk of injury, cycling has associate with increasing “life-years.”

Cycling improves the waistline: On an average ride, a cyclist will burn approximately 300 calories per hour. An average person will burn approximately 11 pounds of unhealthy fat per year, while building muscle mass and increasing your metabolic rate.

Cycling improves mental health: While the physical health benefits are usually very apparent, few consider the mental benefits behind riding a bike. Bicycling has been proven to reduce stress and increase hand-eye coordination among those who choose to cycle a mere 30 minutes a day. The Journal of Occupational Health published an article showing cycling significantly improved mental health among those who choose to commute daily to work.

At the end of the day though, it comes down to your comfort level of riding in bad weather. If rain is coming down sideways, maybe sit the day out and give us a call! We can drop by your favorite food cart, so you can stay dry indoors.


Northwest Rides: Worst Day of the Year

Worst Day PictureAre you feeling the chill of the long Portland winter? How about a little bike ride to warm you up? It’s not too late to join a couple thousand other brave souls in signing up for the Worst Day of the Year Ride, the first ride of the year coordinated by Good Sport Promotion. You must have some questions, so read on for more details!

Who should participate in the Worst Day of the Year Ride?

Anyone who feels comfortable riding 16 miles! And if 16 miles sounds too easy, sign up for the 45 Mile Challenge. Either way, make sure you’re prepared with cold weather and rain gear. It’s called the Worst Day of the Year Ride for a reason.

What should I expect along the way?

A great ride! You’ll have a map of the route and you’ll be backed by road support in the form of ride along mechanics and medics, as well as support vehicles, in case you need a lift. If that’s not enough, there’s always the food factor: There will be coffee and doughnuts in the morning, warm treats at rest stops every four miles and hot soup and fresh bread at the finish line!

When are these crazy rides happening?

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