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.

to bring their own supplies and share ideas and trade tips with other artists. All skill levels are welcome; and the club is open to visitors; there will be no formal instruction given during club time. Bring 20 handmade Valentines to trade with Zentangle friends and a gift bag or box to collect cards. Wednesday, Feb. 12, 6-8pm at Morgan Hill Community and Cultural Center, 17000 Monterey Road. RSVP is required to participate. For information, visit linedotcalm.com/tangleclub.

Jim MacKenzie

FUNDRAISING CONCERT The Aromas Grange will host a live concert featuring Backyard Birds and their blend of vocal harmonies and wide range of music. Backyard Birds perform overlooked songs in three-part harmony from Americana, rock and roll, country and soul, to jazz standards and more. This fundraising concert will benefit the Aromas Community Grange Hall. The Grange’s Roast Chicken Dinner, premium beers and wines and other refreshments will be available for additional purchase. Sunday, Feb. 16, 4:30-6:30pm at the Aromas Grange, 400 Rose Ave., Aromas. For tickets and information, visit tinyurl.com/vhk8t9s.

this event features presentations on bullying, harassment, substance abuse and mental health, as well as self-defense, first aid, wildlife safety and more. Booths with an assortment of information and supporters will round out the event. Sunday, Feb. 9, noon-3pm at the Veterans Memorial Building, 649 San Benito St. For information, visit tinyurl.com/vqorfmt.

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, 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.

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.

VALENTINE’S DINNER Clos LaChance’s Valentine’s Day Dinner features a five-course menu and wine available for purchase by the glass and by the bottle. Choose from three seating times, Friday, Feb. 14, 1pm, 6pm or 8pm at Clos LaChance, 1 Hummingbird Lane, San Martin. Reservations are required and space is limited. For information, visit clos.com.

DINNER DANCE The Houserockers will perform at a Valentine’s Day Special Event at Guglielmo Winery. Guests will be treated to a catered dinner, champagne toast and dancing as The Houserockers fuse elements of rock, funk, soul and R&B with occasional forays into rap and country. Additional wine will be available for purchase during the event. Friday, Feb. 14, 5-10pm at Guglielmo Winery, 1480 E. Main Ave., Morgan Hill. For information and tickets, visit houserockers. ticketleap.com.

VALENTINE SHOW The Annual Valentine’s Show at The District Theater features the music of L.A. Project Band. The band will perform yesterday’s classics, R&B, funk and Old School favorites. Friday, Feb. 14, 8pm-midnight at The District Theater, 7430 Monterey St., Gilroy. For information, visit tinyurl.com/r96vyoc.

GEORGIA O’KEEFFE The Gilroy Library will host a talk on the life of artist Georgia O’Keeffe. Considered to be one of the most significant and intriguing artists of the 20th century, O’Keeffe is known for her boldly creative art and her defiance of the social conventions of her time. Saturday, Feb. 15, 11am-12:30pm at Gilroy Library, 350 W. Sixth St. For information, visit tinyurl.com/vrmrn57.

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.

SWEETHEART SUNDAY Fortino Winery will hold a dessert and wine pairing event. Bring that special someone to Sweetheart Sunday to enjoy dessert, live music and wine. Purchase tickets for $40 per person, or $30 for wine club members. Sunday, Feb. 16, 1-3pm at Fortino Winery, 4525 Hecker Pass Highway, Gilroy. For information, visit fortinowinery.com.

GRANT REQUESTS The Gilroy Assistance League is now accepting grant requests for the year 2020 benefiting Gilroy youth organizations, schools and programs. Thanks to donors and sponsors, Gilroy Assistance League distributed $22,000 to various youth services in 2019. Submit a formal grant request proposal no later than Monday, Feb. 24. Forms may be downloaded at gilroyassistanceleague.org. For information, contact Lori Kent at lskent@charter.net.

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