Aug 26 - The Official Scharffen Berger ride-lunch-tour thread

Here's the new official Scharffen Berger Ride-Lunch-Tour thread (aren't I obedient, SK?)

Ride list (updated 8/22)
SadieKate and Bubba
BikerZ
Dachshund
Jobob and Leebob
Snapdragen
Candy
Marty
Ada (Marty's son's SO)
Nicole and Mary (BZ's friends)
Ride maybes:
BikeMomma [+ kids?]

Lunch list (updated 8/22)
SadieKate and Bubba
BikerZ
Maillotpois and PetitePois
Snapdragen
Jobob and Leebob
Dachshund
CindySue
Candy
Marty
Ada (Marty's son's SO)
Nicole and Mary (BZ's friends)
Lunch maybes:
BikeMomma [+ kids?]

Tour list as of 8/22
SadieKate and Bubba
Maillotpois and PetitePois
Jobob and Leebob
Dachsund
Snapdragen
BikerZ
Nicole and Mary (BZ's friends)
CindySue
Candy
Marty
Tour maybes:
Ada (Marty's son's SO)
BikeMomma [+kids]


Ride details:
So far the working plan has been to ride the Bay Trail between Emeryville and Richmond, with a little loop out and around the Berkeley Marina - it is essentially totally flat (20-25 miles of paved multi-use bike trail with a grand total of 100 ft of climbing!). The main benefits of this route are that it is impossible to get lost, gorgeous views, and no car traffic. Drawbacks are the usual multi-use trail issues (dorkus oblivii with offspring in their natural habidat), and the wind.

However, CindySue has provided me with an alternate route - basically straight up into the Berkeley hills to Inspiration Point and back - about 14 miles and 1340 feet of climbing. I've never ridden this route, and as we all know, BikerZ is never is in the lead when going UP hill! I know a few of the people on the ride are newbies who are more comfortable with a flat route, so one option would be two rides - hills and flats - but we'd need a volunteer from the studio audience to lead the proposed hill ride.


Lunch details:
The working lunch plan was to pick up sandwiches and eat picnic style out at the Richmond end of the trail - we can easily keep an eye on our bikes, and it will be easy for the lunch-only participants to meet us there. I was going to inquire of the cafe this week if they would like us to pre-order sandwhiches - in which case I'll post a menu and ask for sandwich orders ahead of time.

An alternative would be lunch at the S-B factory cafe, but I know nothing about it - any thoughts on this alternative? And if we do two rides, lunch logistics get a little more complicated.

Timing:
Since the tour is at 3:30, we should probably start the ride at noon or thereabouts - lunch will be a little on the later side so there's less of a ride to do after eating. Sound OK?

ETA (after reading MP's post below): Maybe the S-B cafe or a place closer to the factory would be better, so everyone on the tour can also eat lunch together? It would mean a later lunch

I will probably skip the lunch and just meet you for the ride. Since I am not riding it seems it would be tough to coordinate. Also, my run group (can't BELIEVE I am saying this) has a run out of Sonoma Saturday morning that I'd like to make since they're already at the half marathon distance. Nothing like jumping in to marathon training a little late.

MP - I haven't removed you from the lunch list yet, pending final decision of where/when we eat...

MP, meet us at the ride or at the tour? Is PP still coming?

This sounds likes a great plan, but KISS!:D Lunch someplace you don't have to take pre-orders and I am perfectly fine with one route only. I'll have plenty of climbing in the day before and the day after. I just need flat and slow on Saturday. :o

Sue F will not be coming.

PP is absolutely coming and bringing her allowance for purchasing chocolate. I'll leave Sonoma, swing home and shower, change, get her and then see if I can track you guys down. I may just call when I get close to leaving Marin so I know where you are - don't answer the phone if it is not safe to do so. Just call me back when you get a chance.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by bikerz

Ride details:
So far the working plan has been to ride the Bay Trail between Emeryville and Richmond, with a little loop out and around the Berkeley Marina - it is essentially totally flat (20-25 miles of paved multi-use bike trail with a grand total of 100 ft of climbing!). The main benefits of this route are that it is impossible to get lost, gorgeous views, and no car traffic. Drawbacks are the usual multi-use trail issues (dorkus oblivii with offspring in their natural habidat), and the wind.

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Oooh, you guys could see where it all began for Jobob & Leebob! :)

Altho it's technically not where we first met, the bulk of our early courtship took place at the Berkeley Marina (Cesar Chavez park, to be exact, but waaay before it was called that). You might even get to see Tom, the proprietor of Highline Kites - the camper van where kites are sold out at the end of the marina - he was the one who introduced us, and he was Best Man at our wedding.

all together now, awwwwww

aaaawwwwwwwwwwwwwww

awwwwww, that so sweet. :p

Quote:

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Originally Posted by jobob

...the bulk of our early courtship took place at the Berkeley Marina (Cesar Chavez park, to be exact, but waaay before it was called that). You might even get to see Tom, the proprietor of Highline Kites - the camper van where kites are sold out at the end of the marina - he was the one who introduced us, and he was Best Man at our wedding.

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Awwwww!
That's one of the great things about a ride out there on a windy day - all the cool kites! Our loop takes us right past the kite lawn. I think we will all need to dismount and "share a moment" with you guys!

Tour Info for Chocolate Lovers (copied from their confirmation letter)

 3:30 pm – arrive 10 mins before!
 914 Heinz Ave, Berkeley
 Parking lot adjacent to the gift shop entrance
 You must wear closed toed shoes.
 Children must be 10 years of age or in the 5th grade.

“Be sure to bring a healthy appetite, as your group will sample many different types of chocolate. Your group will receive one Scharffen Berger dollar per person to be redeemed in our factory store. Our store offers a full line of our chocolate products, baking and chocolate books, and a variety of kitchen tools for the home chef.”

Directions:
 Route 80 East or West
 Take Ashby Ave exit, Berkeley
 Turn left at Seventh Street (first signal)
 Go one block to Heinz, turn right
 We are the brick building on the corner.
 Parking is available on-site.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by SadieKate

"Be sure to bring a health appetite..."

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heh, don't count on that :D

Having gone on many rides with the TE gang in the past ... :)

Our rides often takes longer than planned - some time is spent catching up with old friends, photo opps, bathroom breaks, there's the occasional flat, that sort of thing - plus, if we do have lunch elsewhere, it'll take us a while to pack up, head over, park, regroup, and get seated for lunch.

Should we consider starting a little earlier, perhaps 11:30 ?
That way we might even roll out by 12 ;)

Are you suggesting that we are a herd of cats on bikes? Hmmmph. :rolleyes:

Z, SK - I won't be able to do the tour. I would like to meet for lunch, and I'm still trying to see if I have time for the ride. Family stuff is starting to move into the morning, so I may have to call to RSVP about the ride Saturday morning.

My Other Hobby is playing in a band, and we have a gig Saturday night. Yay! But I have to devote some of my afternoon to "prep".

This was hilarious, by the way - you nailed that one!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by bikerz

Drawbacks are the usual multi-use trail issues (dorkus oblivii with offspring in their natural habidat), and the wind.

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Ride list (updated 8/24)
SadieKate and Bubba
BikerZ
Jobob and Leebob
Snapdragen
Candy
Marty
Ada (Marty's son's SO)
Ride maybes:
BikeMomma [+ kids?]
Dachshund

Lunch list (updated 8/24)
SadieKate and Bubba
BikerZ
Maillotpois and PetitePois
Snapdragen
Jobob and Leebob
CindySue
Candy
Marty
Ada (Marty's son's SO)
Lunch maybes:
BikeMomma [+ kids?]
Dachshund

Tour list as of 8/24
SadieKate and Bubba
Maillotpois and PetitePois
Jobob and Leebob
Snapdragen
BikerZ
CindySue
Candy
Marty
Tour maybes:
Ada (Marty's son's SO)
BikeMomma [+kids]

Meet for the ride at 11:30 (good call, Jobob).

OK - I'm having trouble thinking this through. It looks like everyone on the ride is having lunch, and CindySue, MP and PP are the only ones definitely having lunch and definitely not riding. BikeMomma, BikeKids, and Dachshund are up in the air...

Option 1:
Park at the SB factory or near by, leave on the ride from there, eat lunch partway through the ride, finish back at the SB factory.
*We will need to be in cell phone contact with the lunchers so they know when to meet us at the sandwich place in Richmond.

Option 2:
Same as Option 1 except we eat lunch at the SB factory after the ride
* Later lunch for everyone, but easier logistics for the non-riding lunchers. I don't know anything about the SB cafe, but as CindySue pointed out in the original thread, there are plenty of restaurants around there.

Option 3:
Park and meet in Richmond, eat there after the whole ride, all caravan the few miles back at the SB factory in time for the tour.
* Driving and parking happens twice, we still need to be in contact with the non-riding lunchers, a little more time in cars for everyone. There is plenty of parking at the Richmond Marina.

Thoughts, ideas? I'm just spinning around on this one... I'm having GRE logic problem flashbacks! Ack!

Oh - and no matter what, does everyone have a way to secure their bike in or on their car?

I vote for Option 2. Non-riders that want to lunch will be able to join us and we can adjust our calorie intake to match the schedule.

Option 2

Option 2 works for us. That way we just go straight to one place. And perhaps we get there early and start relieving them of their extra chocolate.

EDIT: They have a chocolate sandwich on the menu... http://www.cafecacao.biz/menus.html

Yum!
Tomato, Mozzarella, & Basil Panini

Or maybe this . . . .
Hot Pressed "BBQ" Chicken Sandwich in Cocoa nib BBQ sauce

Bubba will like this:
Grilled Cheese Sandwich

and this:
Ham & Gruyere Panini

Oh heaven!
Scharffen Berger Chocolate Sandwich

Is it Saturday yet?

Did see their brunch menu? We could eat before the ride also:

A bubbly glass of Mimosa
Two Farm Fresh Poached Eggs served with Rosemary Brown Butter served with salad of frisee and apple
Fresh Banana and Chocolate Pancakes
French Toast filled with Almond Frangipane compote of apples and pears
Stack o' Buttermilk pancakes with honest maple syrup

Looks like good pre-ride food to me.

Mimosas.............:D

Hi BikerZ. Can you tell me the location of the parking lot where the ride begins in Emeryville? Marty and I will be coming from Sac. Thanks, Candy

Um, is there room for one more?

I've been watching the Scharffen Berger threads for a while, and they combine three really cool things: Bikes, Chocolate, and TE folks. I would have jumped at the opportunity, but was pretty sure I'd have to work this weekend.

It looks like I won't have to work this weekend after all, so I'd be interested in the ride, lunch & tour.

-- Melissa

You mean I might meet you at last? Wow! :D

You betcha there's room!

Thanks, Sadie Kate!

It will be great to finally meet you as well!!

-- Melissa

Excellent - sounds like Option 2 is the clear winner - I knew I could count on useful feedback! I am assuming we could park there at the cafe, and/or nearby on the street. We'll have a little bit of city riding to get over to the University bike bridge.

Here's the final plan (unless anyone has additonal suggestions)

When: Saturday, 8/26 - meet between 11:15 and 11:30 am (roll-out at 12 or before)
Where: Sharffen Berger cafe parking area - 914 Heinz Ave, Berkeley, CA

Melissa - I'm glad you can come!

Candy and Marty - we will be meeting at the Sharffen Berger factory cafe parking lot - address above.

Fashion question: Is everyone going to be wearing their new AV gear? This might be a good ride for those of you who want to take your new AV wind vest for a spin!

Anyone who wants my cell phone number, just PM me and I'll be happy to provide it.

Ride list
SadieKate and Bubba
BikerZ
Jobob and Leebob
Snapdragen
Candy and Marty
Ada (Marty's son's SO)
Melissa
Ride maybes:
BikeMomma [+ kids?]
Dachshund

Lunch list
SadieKate and Bubba
BikerZ
Maillotpois and PetitePois
Snapdragen
Jobob and Leebob
CindySue
Candy and Marty
Ada (Marty's son's SO)
Melissa
Lunch maybes:
BikeMomma [+ kids?]
Dachshund

Tour list
SadieKate and Bubba
Maillotpois and PetitePois
Jobob and Leebob
Snapdragen
BikerZ
CindySue
Candy
Marty
Melissa
Tour maybes:
Ada (Marty's son's SO)
BikeMomma [+kids]

Wow, you're a good cat herder.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by SadieKate

Wow, you're a good cat herder.

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I wanna see her nail jello to a tree.

Can't you hear her now? "I'm on it!"

Quote:

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Originally Posted by snapdragen

I wanna see her nail jello to a tree.

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<weeping quietly, shoulders heaving....>

Sorry - I missed this little interchange - I was outside nailing jello to a tree - lime jello. No, it was not a pretty sight...

MIND READER!!


I was going to ask if it was lime.

Hammer gel (...oh)

:rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

For the lunch-only crowd, what's a good time to arrive at the restaurant?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by SadieKate

Scharffen Berger Chocolate Sandwich

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I may need to get that. No, I must get that.

Quote:

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Is it Saturday yet?

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just about. :cool:

http://search.barnesandnoble.com/boo...95912140&itm=1

We could make our own version... "Amici Veloci Chicks Go to a Chocolate Factory." Would certainly be just as crazy and much more entertaining. We'd just have to make sure that SK edits so all the commas are in the right place. ;)

I can see it now.

The AV gal's curiosity causes a problem at the chocolate factory, but their quick thinking and speedy action on the assembly line help save the candies.

I have visions of that I Love Lucy episode :cool:

http://www.ageworks.com/course_demo/...cille_ball.gif