Trail- Ready
BE WEATHER-WARY Familiarize yourself with seasonal weather patterns in your area. Prepare for the possibility of extreme heat and sudden midsummer storms. Check the forecast before each outing. Heat sickness can catch you off guard, causing nausea, dizziness, confusion, and clammy skin. If these symptoms set in, find shade, drink water, and try to cool down. KNOW YOUR LEVEL Be realistic when choosing routes, and check out the mileage, trail conditions, and elevation of any path you choose. Helpful apps include Ride with GPS for route-finding and navigation and Strava for performance-tracking and networking. As you plan, note the trail surface. Riding on gravel or dirt takes far more energy than paved trails. If you want to test your limits, do it on terrain you have traveled before. GEAR UP Carry more water than you expect to need, and bring a portable water filter. Poor hydration is one of the main reasons cyclists get in trouble. Also, bring ample high-protein food, a tire patch kit, and first-aid supplies. And don’t neglect the basics: Be sure to wear a properly fitted, sturdy helmet. DON’T GO ALONE Let someone know your planned route. Leave a detailed itinerary and planned check-in times with a person you trust. Carry a fully charged phone and charging device, and bring maps as digital downloads or on paper. Also, practice basic navigation skills, such as tracking the sun’s position in the sky and noting landmarks.
SAVORING NATURE SAFELY ON A BIKING ADVENTURE
YOUR MONTHLY NEED-TO-KNOWS ANDERSON DENTAL CARE HOLIDAY HOURS: Our office will be closed July 2 and 3, with normal business hours resuming on Monday, July 7. WHEN SHOULD I SCHEDULE BACK-TO-SCHOOL CLEANINGS? If your kids need a cleaning or require one as part of their sports team’s physical, be sure to schedule their appointment ASAP . These spots fill up fast in August, so call our office today! WHO INVENTED THE SLURPEE? 7-Eleven’s quintessential drink was a happy accident! A Dairy Queen store owner, Omar Knedlik, was experiencing issues with his soda fountain and decided to put all the sodas in the freezer to stay cool. Customers loved the slush-like texture and began requesting the frozen sodas specifically! It was only a matter of time before he created ICEE, which then struck a deal with 7-Eleven to offer the Slurpee we all know and love. WHAT DOES THE MOON SMELL LIKE? NASA’s moonwalking astronauts have reported that moon dust (scientifically known as lunar regolith ) smells like gunpowder. Apollo 17’s Harrison Schmitt once said, “All I can say is that everyone’s instant impression of the smell was that of spent gunpowder, not that it was ‘metallic’ or ‘acrid.’” Mountain biking is one of the nation’s fastest-growing sports. Drawn by its physical and mental challenges and access to nature, more than 9.2 million people participated in the sport in 2023, up 4% from 2022. Before setting out, it’s essential to realize that off-road biking can take you far from your comfort zone. Riding on rugged terrain is considered an extreme sport with a high rate of injuries, and participants tend to overestimate their skill level. Keep these tips in mind to ensure your enjoyment as a novice in this exciting sport.
By cycling smart, you can reap the maximum benefits of one of the nation’s most exciting sports!
CHEESY TOMATO-BASIL STUFFED CHICKEN Inspired by HalfBakedHarvest.com
DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 425 F. 2. Slice chicken down the middle horizontally (not cutting all the way through). 3. Spread pesto inside filleted chicken, then stuff with cheese and tomatoes before closing chicken, covering filling. 4. Place chicken in a large oven-safe skillet. Drizzle with reserved oil. 5. Set the skillet over medium heat; cook 5 minutes. 6. Add 1 1/2 cups tomatoes, garlic, balsamic vinegar, and season with chili flakes. Cook 2–3 minutes, then remove from heat. 7. Bake in oven for 7–10 minutes until chicken is cooked through and tomatoes burst. 8. Toss remaining 1/2 cup tomatoes with basil, thyme, salt, and pepper. 9. Serve the chicken topped with fresh tomatoes.
INGREDIENTS • 4–6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts • 1/2 cup basil pesto • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese • 1/3 cup oil-packed
sun-dried tomatoes, drained, oil reserved
• 2 cups cherry
tomatoes, divided
• 2 cloves garlic, smashed • 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar • Chili flakes, to taste • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped • 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves • Salt and pepper, to taste
513-231-7755 • 3
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator