Spoking My Mind

UPCOMING RIDE Curt Hentschke has ridden the Almond Blossom Century, which returns Feb. 15 in Ripon.

Checking in and riding out

Register now for spring rides BY CURT HENTSCHKE slow, reasonable weight loss is much healthier than crash dieting. Avoid any program that promises huge weight loss in a short period of time. Second, remember that life happens. I was blessed to have the opportunity to travel for two weeks in January. I was not going to try to maintain a diet at the expense of sampling some amazing Cajun, Creole and Southern cuisine.

So, segueing smoothly to the subject of cycling, have you registered for any spring rides? Ripon’s Almond Blossom Century Ride and Linden’s Pedaling Paths to Independence will be here before you know it. Also, keep poking into your local bike shops (or exploring their websites) to explore group ride options in your area. Remember, it’s much more fun to cycle with a group, and there will always be groups within your ability range. SAVE THE DATES FEB. 15: Almond Blossom Century, Ripon, musicfirstusa.info FEB. 22: Pedaling Paths to Independence, Linden, communitycenterfortheblind.org MARCH 7: King’s River Blossom Ride, Reedley, blossombikeride.com I t’s February! Have you planned a Valentine’s bicycle ride with your sweetheart yet? Come on, get busy! Pedal to your favorite restaurant; you’ll burn off the calories from the meal.

Speaking of calories, thanks for all of the feedback concerning last month’s column. Sounds like I’m not the only one attempting to shed some unwanted tonnage in 2020. Let me know how you’ve progressed so far (heycycleguy@gmail.com). What about me? Thanks for asking; I dropped two pounds in January!

Now, you might be scoffing, “Only two pounds?” Here are two things to remember, however. First,

MARCH 14: Solvang Century, bikescor.com

MARCH 14: El Granada 200k/San Gregorio 125k, santacruzrandonneurs.org

APRIL 16 - 19: Sea Otter Classic, Monterey, seaotterclassic.com

APRIL 25: Tierra Bella, Gilroy, tierrabella.org

Curt “Cycle Guy” Hentschke has pedaled more than 60,000 miles of South Valley and San Benito County trails. Send your cycle celebrations to heycycleguy@gmail.com. Check for last minute changes before attending.

Feb. 7 and Saturday, Feb. 8, 8-9:30pm each night at Pintello Comedy Theater, 8191 Swanston Lane, Gilroy. For information and tickets, visit pintellocomedy.com.

BEER & CHOCOLATE Heritage Chocolates Corralitos is pairing up with Brewery Twenty Five for a pop-up and Valentine shopping opportunity. Guests will be introduced to four “Brewery Twenty Five” beer chocolates created by Heritage Chocolates Corralitos, and will enjoy them as they are paired with the beers they were made from. Additional chocolates will also be available for purchase. Saturday, Feb. 8, 2-6pm at Brewery 25, 106 Third St., San Juan Bautista. For information, visit heritage-chocolates.com.

discussion of preparation techniques at the Crepes 101 cooking demonstration. Batter, tricks for flipping, sauces and more will be discussed, and both sweet and savory crepes will be prepared and enjoyed. Choose from two sessions, Saturday, Feb. 8 or Sunday, Feb. 9, 4:30-6:30pm either night at Lion Ranch Vineyards & Winery, 645 W. San Martin Ave. Advanced reservations required, visit tinyurl.com/uajzemt.

EVENTS

COMEDY THEATER Pintello Comedy Theater will present the campy comedy musical blockbuster Little Shop of Horrors. Watch as hapless florist’s assistant Seymour tends to a new breed of plant he has named “Audrey II” after his coworker crush, and Audrey II promises Seymour fame, fortune and all his desires—as long as Seymour keeps him fed. Friday,

HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS The Harlem Globetrotters arrive in Salinas with the all-new “Pushing the Limits World Tour.” Wednesday, Feb. 12, 6-8pm at Hartnell College, 411 Central Ave., Salinas. For tickets and information, visit tinyurl.com/w5razjv.

SUCCULENT PLANTING Plant a unique container garden at The GardenShoppe’s Succulent Planting Class. Succulents are a group of plants that store water in their leaves and can endure extended periods of drought. $35 fee includes a ceramic bowl, decorative broken pottery, seven succulent plugs, sand and rocks. Additional plants, accessories and more will be available for additional cost. Saturday, Feb. 15, drop in for this one-hour class between noon-3pm at The GardenShoppe, 364 Seventh St, Hollister. For tickets and information, visit tinyurl.com/rdajp5b.

WINE ROAD Cienega Road wineries will host a Valentine’s Day weekend event with music, wine and food at “Wine is My Valentine.” Calera Wine Company and Eden Rift Vineyards have teamed up to offer access to both properties along with food and wine pairings, new spring releases and more. Saturday, Feb. 15, noon-4pm at Cienega Wine Road, 11300 Cienega Road, Hollister. For tickets, visit tinyurl.com/wa93okc.

BENEFIT SHOW Enjoy hard rock and blues songs from the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s as Credo Studio Community Art & Cultural Center presents The Band DemBones. All proceeds will be donated to benefit programming at Credo Studio. Saturday, Feb. 15, 6-8pm at Credo Studio, 1 Polk St., San Juan Bautista. For tickets, visit tinyurl. com/v6jmcso.

STARRY NIGHTS Astronomy docents will share the view at Starry Nights in Open Space. Attendees are advised to dress in warm layers and bring drinking water; telescopes will be provided. Space is limited; registration is required. Saturday, Feb. 15, 7-9pm at Rancho Cañada del Oro Open Space Preserve, 4289 Casa Loma Road, Morgan Hill. Arrive before the gates close at 8pm to allow for undisturbed viewing. Register by the number of cars in each group. For information, visit openspaceauthority.org.

WINTER BOUTIQUE Shop for handcrafted goods, vintage treasures and more at the Winter Boutique 2020 in Hollister. All proceeds will benefit the My Father’s House Homeless Shelter and homeless organizations in San Benito County. Raffle prizes will also be featured. Sunday, Feb. 16, 10am-4:30pm at Worth Saving Mercantile & Thrift Store, 101 Fifth St., Hollister. For information, visit tinyurl.com/ rd2a4bb.

REGGAE PARTY Grillin & Chillin Alehouse Brewery’s Reggae Party will feature Dub Souljah and special guest Shawn Yanez as they perform original reggae rock as well as some throwback covers. Friday, Feb. 21, 7-10pm at Grillin & Chillin Alehouse, 401 McCray St., Hollister. For information, visit tinyurl.com/vvc7jqg.

ADULT DRAWING Artists aged 16 and over are invited to draw at San Benito County Arts Council’s drop-in Adult Drawing Workshops where students will explore fundamental drawing techniques and methods. The $10 drop-in fee includes registration to a single, two-hour class and students will be provided with a materials list at their first class. Drop-in special sessions will be held select Mondays and Fridays through February, 6:45-8:45pm at ARTspace Annex, 217 Fifth St., Hollister. For information, call 831.636.2787.

Bringing the indoors out HOME AND GARDEN

MODERN LIVING Today’s outdoor spaces incorporate natural surroundings.

2020 outdoor living trends

Outdoor living trends for 2020 are all about enjoying your backyard alfresco— but with the comfort and ease you expect from your indoor spaces. Today’s outdoor spaces are transforming into an extension of the home. The current outdoor design also takes into account the look and feel of your entire home, including the interior and exterior, building materials and surroundings.

Biophilic design Biophilic design is achieved when natural elements are incorporated into the space, helping people feel connected to the natural environment. It creates a calm, tranquil space and reduces stress. Biophilia makes sense for indoor urban environments needing to bring the outdoors in, but how does it work when you're already outside?

Biophilic design for outdoor spaces means integrating natural endless—from grills to cooktops and ovens or a wine cooler and an outdoor bar.

Homeowners also have many options when it comes to the design and price point of their outdoor kitchen. Some may lean toward a grill island, adding prep and storage space to their grilling station, while others might create a full-on outdoor kitchen with a grill, smoker, refrigerator, sink, seating area and more.

Either way, homeowners can get a feel for exactly what their space will look like before breaking ground through Belgard's design resources. The Belgard Design Studio takes a simple sketch, some dimensions and a couple of photos and turns it, using design software, into 3D animations and virtual reality experiences to give homeowners a sense of the finished product in their backyard.

elements with constructed elements to create a harmonious space. A plant wall or raised garden bed can integrate greenery and pops of color with the built elements of your outdoor space. It also means using natural materials, like wood and stone, to complement the surrounding environment.

Create greener, more sustainable spaces to celebrate the environment, which can help encourage pollinators, grow healthy food and forge a cohesive outdoor space. You can also use materials such as Belgard's permeable pavers, which allow water to drain through the surface, replenishing the soil and aquifers beneath your path, walkway or driveway.

More than just a grill Today's homeowners want much more than a grill in the backyard. With aspirations to cook and entertain guests outdoors with everything the best outdoor kitchen can offer, the possibilities are

Entertaining both night and day Regardless of the time of day— or year—you and your family can relax comfortably in your outdoor sanctuary, thanks to modern technology and the latest outdoor installations:

• LED lighting is installed in a variety of ways. You can install strips of light and/or spotlights, even using multiple colors, to add flair at night. • In the harsh sunlight, large umbrellas and movable shade walls or screens can keep your space cool and more comfortable. • For cooler climates, an outdoor fireplace provides heat and light for cozy evenings in the yard. Whether you have a straightforward vision for a patio or dream of elaborate outdoor living spaces, these ideas can help you create your oasis. For information on how you can upgrade your outdoor space, visit Belgard.com. —Brandpoint Content