Bikes and Pastries? Where Do I Sign?

If you've ever dreamed of being part of a sugar-induced athletic spectacle on a beautiful Saturday morning, I have a can't-miss event for you!

Each summer, the American Fork Rotary Club hosts their sweet version of a bicycle race. The normal part?  A 7-mile race course completed three times for a total of 21-miles ridden.  The delicious part?  All-you-can-eat donuts during and after the race.  Mesh them together and what do you get?

What makes this race a must-see is the way the above listed parts are mashed together.  After each7-mile lap, riders pull-over for a speedy donut binge.  Every donut stuffed down the gullet brings the reward of three minutes riding time subtracted off the clock.  The first go-round is simple enough; smiles and joking all around.   It's the second helping where the real competition begins.  A lot of riders take it all in stride, finish a pastry or two and continue on their way.  The die-hards are another story.

Imagine every disgusting detail you've ever heard about competitive eating and then picture it with sweaty athletes on a 100-degree day.  Smashing multiple donuts together flat like a pancake makes it easier to eat several in a short time.  Soak them in water and they slide through the digestive organs smoothly.  And of course each rider has an individual theory on pacing for maximum eating.  

The race is fun for spectators and riders alike.  After mastering the stomach or dodging the offerings of those who couldn't, crossing the finish line is a great celebration.  The first year my husband participated,  winner was the last to finish, but gained 78 minutes after somehow ingesting 26 donuts (notice I didn't say "after keeping down 26 donuts.  He gave everyone an unwanted gift by depositing them all on the concrete just after crossing the finish line).

It's fun.  It's completely disgusting.  It's a guaranteed great story to tell your friends.  Why not sign up to do something a little crazy every now and then?

Directions and Information:

This event is a fundraising event for the American Fork Rotary.  Past year's funds have benefited the Huntsman Cancer Institute, Kona Biketown Africa, World Bicycle Relief, and other Rotary causes.

Want to find out more?  Visit the official Utah Tour de Donut website for photos, this year's race information, and more.

Great Way For a Bike Ride

Directions and Information: 
The Provo River Parkway can be accessed from many locations throughout Orem and Provo.  Easy places to begin are northeast of the entrance to Utah Lake State Park or from any park within the first 5 miles of Provo Canyon.  Several areas towards the southern end of the trail are currently closed for high water or detoured for construction, adding to the adventure...

For more information, visit http://www.utahcountyonline.org/parks/ParkDetails.asp?IDNO=5.

The Central Utah Gardens: A Desert Oasis

I have a lot of stressful days.  Days when I wish I could just find a place to escape and get away from it all.  A few summers ago I discovered the Central Utah Gardens and instantly knew I'd found my retreat from the world.

Operated by the Central Utah Water Conservancy, the Central Utah Gardens are an educational facility focused on sharing water-wise landscaping information.  Located on University Parkway in Orem, I expected to find a noisy road-side attraction, and so, was completely surprised as soon as I left my car.  With lilting music piping out of the main building, the mood is instantly set for an enjoyable outing.

Walking through the gardens is relaxing.  There are hundreds of colorful plants, grasses, and shrubs.  There are a number of shaded paths and nooks where you can find yourself alone, reflecting, and enjoying the solitude.  Unless you're specifically looking, it is entirely possible to forget the drone of traffic whirring by on just the other side of the garden walls.

The Central Utah Gardens are a great place to take the kids as well.  They've built two miniature homes with lawns to showcase the difference between a "normal" yard and a water-wise one.  The houses are open for the kids to play in and have simple beautiful murals painted on the inside walls.  Add the sprinkler feature, which showcases the many options for watering the yard, and your kids will be entertained for hours (mine were literally enthralled for at least 60 minutes).

Throughout the summer the Central Utah Gardens offer classes for both adults and kids.  They have a small ampitheater where they host free concerts, and they hold an annual Summer Festival to celebrate the coming of the season.  Any one of these events are well worth looking into, and also keep this place in mind the next time you're dreaming of an afternoon retreat and get-away.

I know there are Water Conservancy Gardens across throughout the state of Utah.  
Do you have something similar in your neck of the woods?

Directions and Information:

The Central Utah Gardens are open May-September 8AM-8PM, and the rest of the year from 8AM-4:30PM.  More information is available at http://www.centralutahgardens.org

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