Sunday, August 31, 2008

cycling misfits

Last weekend Tony and I packed up a rented mini van and headed to Napa for the Single Speed World Championships. Haven't heard of the international event? It was my first time attending (as a spectator...have yet to try single speeding except on my 1968 Schwinn with coaster brakes), which put me in prime position to record the details for The New York Times.

Here's the story, complete with a fantastic slideshow by photographer Peter DaSilva.

Thursday, August 21, 2008

whetting my appetite

People keep asking: "What kind of food will you eat in Ecuador?" I never know exactly what to say. Over a dozen varieties of corn? Brothy stews made with mysterious meats? Tripe in peanut sauce? Lo mein from chifas? The famous cuy, or guinea pig, roasted on a spit? Fruit fruit and more fruit? Ecuadorian food is a delicious hodgepodge.

This recent piece in The New York Times reminded me of what will soon hit my palate, and that Ecuadorian buses are comfortable-bordering-on-luxurious. AC and reclining seats? Bring on the overnight rides.

I remember one lovely overnight from Quito to the coast. The driver steered through fog for hours and I slept deeply. I woke to a hazy sunrise and fishermen delivering their morning catches by bicycle.