144 weeks... Maine

World Tour Self-discovery... to eat is to taste the land.
1. Fore Street [Portland, ME]
2. J's Oyster [Portland, ME].

Portland, Maine

The World Tour starts at Portland, Maine, the "Foodiest Small Town in America" by Bon Appetit magazine [2009]. I know the World Tour is seemingly far off, though, I got a lot of food-by bike destinations to select. So this starts the food research.

The first question that comes to mind, and of course is subjective, "what food is the state of Maine known for?" [And can it be discovered in Portland?] My own thoughts on Maine cuisine would be seafood. Although, I'd classify that as a protein. Meaning you can get that type of protein anywhere. At least from a naive perspective on seafood sourcing. Freshness, like being caught that day, would make it a cuisine ingredient factor. I have fond memories of New England. I'd often get souvenirs with its iconic lobster. So definitely lobster. New England clam chowder is also familiar to me. Besides that, I am curious to get a better feel for Maine's culinary pantry, and any of it's unique sourced food from the land. So a lot of reading ahead of me. An easy start is Visit Maine.

As I read, a ranking fact of three ingredients pops up often; lobster, potatoes, and wild blueberries. I am thinking these facts are maybe good for trivia, but how about the food experience. I know that I am at a disadvantage compared to a local. I need a way to transcend into the food experience. At least start communicating on what my intended perception should be. That simply means, what should I visualize it to be.

I stumble across a gallery of cookbooks. Fresh from Maine maybe connects most to my expectations. As I read each cookbook's byline, it dawns on me that a cookbook might be a good way to sort out what food experience Maine has to offer. This particular cookbook link also has a posted list of restaurants.

Since one objective of food-by bike is the food experience at a savory restaurant. I'll need to determine what the locals are saying about Portland's restaurants. I know you have to read reviews with some subjectivity. Meaning we all have different likes and dislikes. I like most refer to online social ranking systems, such as Yelp. It's at least a start.

One would think that the number of reviews would somehow relate to it being a popular destination. And that its number of stars would weigh in on its quality (at least for that person's expectations). Once again, Yelp (and other online reviews) is a good start for me. So after some fuzzy foodie logic I narrow the restaurants down to the Fore Street [American (new)] and J's Oyster [seafood]. These so far might get my vote for this food-by bike World Tour, although, that is still preliminary.

How about locally grown, and sustainable foods? To seek out local sourcing how about Portland Farmers' Market. My foodie curiosity today got me thinking about how best to capture the depth of Maine's food experience. That is, some of my own culinary self-discovery. This food-by bike World Tour across Maine (at least part of it) will also need food as sustenance. Pedaling from Point A to Point B will demand break points with the eating of a packed meal. Unlike a MRE, my culinary intuition got me thinking about my foodie home; the Japanese bento with ingredients from Maine bought at the Farmer's Market. So let's eat good.

That might be good for when I am actually doing the World Tour, but what about now? I got it. I'll food-by bike locally to maybe find a Maine influenced savory restaurant. I know that I won't find one boasting imported from Maine. Not sure one even exists. Ethnic restaurants are more like Italian, French, etc. I've heard of California, and even New York influenced restaurants. But not sure I've heard about one from Maine. Well, at least seafood restaurants are plentiful here.

World Tour Mileage... 128.2 miles out of 23,710 total miles.

[Portland, ME to Portsmouth, ME 59.7 miles
Portsmouth, ME to Boston, MA 68.5 miles]

145 weeks... World tour map

World Tour Self-discovery...

Food-by bike is in motion. But I have a lot on my mind with the World Tour. I know that I am driven to food by bike across the world. Though, what will be its format? What route will define this World Tour?

Maybe a lot of other websites, but these have been a good start:
Cycling Around the World
World Biking

Should it be one continuous trip? That is, non-stop around the world. Or some other preferred route that best suits the food by bike objective.

Research shows that the conventional format for a World Tour is to cycle between two travel points. That is, cycle from Point A to point B for the adventure, in which the distance between the two points usually crosses the objective.

So I start experimenting with some of my own pre-conceived notions about distances I'd like to cross. Keeping with this conventional format I map more like a segmented route across the world. I know that food by bike should be more about the food, and not so much the adventure between the two points. Then after, I think maybe I need more of a hop segmented route. That is, I hop across the world. A hop would have more of a food-by bike radius to explore that regions food. I'd also have to limit hops mainly because of flight costs. Cycling between points does have that cost saving advantage (it is, after all, a self-propeled mode of transportation).

Region 1: North America
[World Tour 3 months, 5,235 miles traveled]

Regional food is not my expertise. But I've come up with a starting point, or at least some assumptions for this segmented route.

Segment 1: Portland, ME to Miami, FL (about 1 month travel)
Based on Google Maps with bicycling directions that is 1,806 miles. My present goal is to do about 55 miles a day. That's about 33 days travel between the two points. I'd try to focus food-by bike for Portland, ME, Boston, MA, Providence, RI, New York, NY, Washington, DC, Savannah, GA, and Miami, FL. [After forming a basic map, my second task is to determine what food to explore by bike in these cities.]

Segment 2: (I'd take hop to) New Orleans, LA to Seattle, WA (about 2 months travel)
Based on Google Maps with bicycling directions that is 3,429 miles. That's about 62 days travel between those two points. I'd try to focus food-by bike for New Orleans, LA, Austin, TX, San Diego, CA, San Francisco, CA, Portland, OR, and Seattle, WA. [I'll better determine what food to explore (or which places to add) once I start that phase of research.]

In 1987 I spent most the summer in Ketchikan, AK. [It was probably my first real adventure. My folks drove me to Winnipeg, Canada where I took a train to Prince rupert, B.C. I then took a ferry to Ketchikan.] Spectacular views. I'd see these cruise ships enter port, and sense what more there would be to see. I said someday I will take that cruise up. Funny how that works out.

I'd plan to take a hop cruise from Seattle, WA to Anchorage, AK to see those intended sights (about 1 week cruise travel). Maybe some are saying why not bike up? Right now I am thinking that I got a lot more food by biking to do, and this might seem more like an adventure cycle between two points.

For the next regions of the world, I came up with more of this hop concept. I also referred to other world bicycling routes for inspiration.

Region 2: Japan
[World Tour 4 months, 6,700 miles traveled]

In 1992 I spent 3 years in Japan. Loved it! I biked a little, but always wanted to do it right. This will be more than a dream come true. I'd say that Japan is my foodie home.

Segment 3: (I'd take hop to) Sapporo, Japan to Nagasaki, Japan (about 1 month travel)
Google maps doesn't have bicycling directions but based on other mode of transportation is 1,465 miles. That's about 27 days travel between those two points. I'd try to focus food-by bike for Sapporo, Japan, Tokyo, Japan, Kyoto, Japan, Hiroshima, Japan, and Nagasaki, Japan. [I'll better determine what food to explore (or which places to add) once I start that phase of research.]

Region 3: China
[World Tour 5 months, 8,524 miles traveled]

I know that I'd want to food by bike China, but wasn't sure how to map it. Some inspiration would help. Found it: Crazy Guy On A Bike
After reading through Peter Gostelow's journal I'd map it.

Segment 4: (I'd take hop to) Beijing, China to Hong Kong (about 1 month travel)
Google maps doesn't have bicycling directions, but based on other mode of transportation is 1,824 miles. That's about 33 days travel between those two points. I'd try to focus food-by bike for Beijing, China, Shanghai, China, and Hong Kong. [I'll better determine what food to explore (or which places to add) once I start that phase of research.]

Region 4: Australia
[World Tour 6 months, 10,141 miles traveled]

Segment 5: (I'd take hop to) Brisbane, Australia to Adelaide, Australia (about 1 month travel)

Google maps doesn't have bicycling directions, but based on other mode of transportation is 1,617 miles. That's about 29 days travel between those two points. I'd try to focus food-by bike for Brisbane, Australia, Sydney, Australia, Canberra, Australia, Melbourne, Australia, and Adelaide, Australia. [I'll better determine what food to explore (or which places to add) once I start that phase of research.]

Region 5: Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand
[World Tour 9 months, 14,614 miles traveled]

I am not sure about these segmented routes yet. So all this is still very preliminary.

Segment 6: [I'd take hop to] Dagupan, Philippines to Legazpi, Phillippines (about 1 week travel)
Google maps doesn't have directions, but found this website Philippines Distance Calculator. It is 379 miles. That's about 7 days travel between those two points. [I'll better determine what food to explore (or which places to add) once I start that phase of research.]

Segment 7: [I'd take hop to] Kota Knabalu, Malaysia to Kuching, Malaysia (about 2 weeks travel)
Google maps doesn't have directions, but found this website Map Crow. It is 500 miles. That's about 9 days travel between those two points. [I'll better determine what food to explore (or which places to add) once I start that phase of research.]

Segment 8: [I'd take hop to] Denpasar, Indonesia to Medan, Indonesia (about 1 month travel)
Google maps doesn't have bicycling directions, but based on other mode of transportation is 2,032 miles. That's about 37 days travel between those two points. [I'll better determine what food to explore (or which places to add) once I start that phase of research.]

Segment 9: [I'd take hop to] Singapore to Alor Setar, Malaysia (about 3 weeks travel)
Google maps doesn't have bicycling directions, but based on other mode of transportation is 1,026 miles. That's about 19 days travel between those two points. [I'll better determine what food to explore (or which places to add) once I start that phase of research.]

Segment 10: Hat Yai Songkhla, Thailand to Chiang Mai, Thailand (about 3 weeks travel)
Google maps doesn't have bicycling directions, but based on other mode of transportation is 1,036 miles. That's about 19 days travel between those two points. [I'll better determine what food to explore (or which places to add) once I start that phase of research.]

Region 6: India
[World Tour 10 months, 16,408 miles traveled]

Segment 11: [I'd take hop to] Chennai, India to New Delhi, India (about 1 month travel)

Google maps doesn't have bicycling directions, but based on other mode of transportation is 1,794 miles. That's about 33 days travel between those two points. I'd try to focus food-by bike for Chennai, India, Goa, India, Mumbai, India, Agra, India, and New Delhi, India. [I'll better determine what food to explore (or which places to add) once I start that phase of research.]

Region 7: Africa

[World Tour 11 months, 17,736 miles traveled]

Segment 12: [I'd take hop to] Cairo, Egypt to Tunis, Tunisia (about 1 month travel)

Google maps doesn't have directions, but found this website Map Crow. It is 1,328 miles. That's about 24 days travel between those two points. [I'll better determine what food to explore (or which places to add) once I start that phase of research.]

Region 8: Europe
[World Tour 13 months, 21,291 miles traveled]

Segment 13: [I'd take hop to] Athens, Greece (about 1 week travel)
Maybe a little R&R for my last leg of World Tour. [I'll better determine what food to explore (or which places to add) once I start that phase of research.]

Segment 14: [I'd take hop to] Catania, Italy to Copenhagen, Denmark (about 1 month travel)

Google maps doesn't have bicycling directions, but based on other mode of transportation is 2,091 miles. That's about 38 days travel between those two points. I'd try to focus food-by bike for Catania, Italy, Rome, Italy, Munich, Germany, Frankfurt, Germany, Amsterdam, Netherlands, Hamburg, Germany, and Copenhagen, Denmark. [I'll better determine what food to explore (or which places to add) once I start that phase of research.]

Segment 15: [I'd take hop to] London, England and Dublin, Ireland (about 1 week travel)

[I'll better determine what food to explore (or which places to add) once I start that phase of research.]

Segment 16: [I'd take hop to] Paris, France to Lisboa, Portugal (about 1 month travel)

Google maps doesn't have bicycling directions, but based on other mode of transportation is 1,464 miles. That's about 26 days travel between those two points. I'd try to focus food-by bike for Paris, France, Nimes, France, Barcelona, Spain, Madrid, Spain, and Lisboa, Portugal. [I'll better determine what food to explore (or which places to add) once I start that phase of research.]

Region 9: South America
[World Tour 16 months, 23,710 miles traveled]

Segment 17: [I'd take hop to] Rio de Janeiro, Brazil to Natal, Brazil (about 1 month travel)
Google maps doesn't have bicycling directions, but based on other mode of transportation is 1,545 miles. That's about 28 days travel between those two points. [I'll better determine what food to explore (or which places to add) once I start that phase of research.]

Segment 18: [I'd take hop to] Caracas, Venezuela to Panama City, Panama (about 2 weeks travel)

Google maps doesn't have directions, but found this website Distance is 874 miles. That's about 16 days travel between those two points. [I'll better determine what food to explore (or which places to add) once I start that phase of research.]

146 weeks... Obento-ya

Self-discovery...

Like a maiden voyage, I made way for some self-discovery by bike. Sometimes the hardest thing is just to start. It's best not to get preoccupied with negative thoughts, like self-doubt or what have you. Just do it. Half the battle is starting. So this is the start (both food-by bike and training for the World Tour).

Most of this start will be working on how to food-by bike. So then what's the game plan? I might be a self-proclaimed foodie. That's easy (who doesn't know their own food likes and dislikes). The real talent is having the expertise to the best bike savory restaurants. So eager with this aim, I don't want to forget it's really all about enjoying the process. To enjoy the process, and not the victor.

I'd think a good plan would be to take it slowly. Not so much like testing the waters, but to get a lay of the land. Fortunately, I live in a city with great biking accessibility. Bicycling magazine named Minneapolis "America's best bike city" (2010). To bike is to feel the land. It's also knowing how to navigate. I'd want to start with getting a feel for maybe why we are the top bicycling city. All the great bikeways.

The Grand Rounds national scenic byway boasts 50.1 miles of bike paths (seven byway districts that circle around the city of Minneapolis). So step 1) get a feel for the Grand Rounds (and see what I discover about myself on the way).

In 1995, we made Minneapolis our home. The nostalgia from those days is always reminded by the Lakes (the Chain of Lakes byway district). Even back then I knew the best way to see the area was by bike. I'd often tell visiting friends, "the best way to sightsee is by bike". That's the feeling I had as I made way along Lake Harriet. Lake Harriet was our picnic getaway. Our escape from apartment living. For me, Harriet had a settled in charm. "Not too big, or too small, but just right". I know some prefer Lake Calhoun, its larger neighbor. Calhoun to me was more of an oasis for a bustling vibe. Maybe since Uptown is like right there.

The Chain of Lakes district should definitely provide some good food-by bike hunting. But for this first ride I wanted to venture out. Be different, and try something new. Get a sense for a long ride, and not a quick fix in a local area (this ride is also supposed to be training for the World Tour). Actually, more like feel something new. That I'd say is important. To feel something new. Okay, maybe for some there's too much self-discovery, or some might scoff too little going on. I'd sum it up with me simply saying, "alleluia! This is going to be fun." Okay, I didn't really say alleluia. But inside I felt a rejoicing perspective on what circumstances had lead me to food-by bike.

Numb. That's not how I felt. More like wide-eyed and bushy tail. Although, I didn't particularly see anything new (except for seeing Fancy Ray riding what looked like a custom bike). That's because I've driven this route before (Lake Harriet, Minnehaha parkway, River parkway along the Mississippi, and Dinkytown). And shockingly, this was the first time by bike.

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Bike savory destination...

To bike is to feel the land. Cycling enthusiasts will know nothing new with that concept. Also nothing novel about biking to a restaurant. Sure some restaurants might be more bike friendly. So the food by bike concept will hopefully promote a map to welcome the self-discovery of food by bike whatever the reason. That's a good at face definition (good exercise, environmentally friendly, or the fun of it). A more subjective criteria is to feel something new. Eating can get routine. Fast food, as a style of eating, or an abundance of it can possibly lessen its sensory appreciation. Increase the effort (harder to come by), then might it accentuate the food experience. That is the less than apparent objective. To make the food experience more attuned. Maybe more simply put, "Hey, I just biked 20 miles to here, better make the food worth it." That I think will be a key subjective criteria behind my foodie-by bike reviews.

To eat is to taste the land. And hopefully, taste the different regions of the world. That will be a big aim for food-by bike to seek out good ethnic eats, locally. To taste the land also conjures up all that buzz about locally grown, and sustainable foods. That's probably because nowadays people are talking about "where" and "how" the food is sourced. What's that saying, "You are what you eat". That will be another aim for foodie-by bike reviews, to seek out local sourcing. So let's eat good.

Foodie-by bike review...

At last, I arrive at Obento-ya. I'll forgo a formidable review since Obento-ya is my restaurant (co-owner/chef). But I will talk about the intent of a food experience. More like meeting a food expectation. I'd say that a food-by bike outing would have a totally different expectation compared to a couple celebrating their anniversary. But what I think both would share is in menu selection. That is, how we select foods from a menu to create a food experience. That I'd say is a subjective intent when reading a review. Good food intent is hard to narrow down (that is, this food goes well with that type of occasion).

Besides food intent, how about a restaurant's intent. That is, what food the restaurant is known for? I'd think it's important for a restaurant to be known for a signature dish, at least for these food-by bike reviews. I'd want to highlight a realistic food expectation. Even the best reviewers don't and cannot eat everything on a restaurant's menu. Lately, I've been a fan of tasting tours, which like a signature dish, its more like a signature wow (experience). It might be subjective, but I'll try to discover the wow in a restaurant.

Okay, I've picked something to eat. Food execution should be a given. But besides those hits or misses, I'll be persnickety about did the food work. That's more of my foodie curiosity, not scoring a restaurant's bating average, but with the depth of food. With that, of course their menu offers more, and we all have different likes. So I'd recommend this bike savory restaurant when you food by bike.

Why food by bike?

First, the word food. Everyone has to eat. There is no escaping that fact. People eat food. Food is sustenance. But besides nourishment it can be sensed. This is mostly referred to has taste. Food not as the commodity, but the meal has been marketed nowadays as a food experience.

A food experience. I am most intrigued with the suggestive influences that make up an experience. Like that philosophical approach to question what is an experience? I'll avoid a lengthy dissertation, but simply refer to the old adage "I think, therefore I am". Okay, a cliche saying, but to the point, in terms of perceived existence. Nothing exits unless talked about. Thus, food exists as an experience because we communicate about it.

We communicate about food probably much more than you think. Since everyone has to eat that's a lot of food experiences. I say again, a lot. So much that I have a saying, "it's not what I am going to see when I get there. But what I am going to eat." This to me was the entertainment or food recreation of an outing.

So a lot of what I do these days is about the food experience. And its given me a self-proclaimed critic instinct. I might not know mainstream likes, but know my own "food relativity". Nothing special about that. Food comparisons happen for most people daily. I think the difference is when someone becomes curious about food, and seeks out different experiences.

Undoubtedly, my food credentials had changed forever by this food experience.

ALINEA (San Pellegrino World's 50 Best Restaurants - Seventh Best Restaurant in the World, Best in North America. (2010).

But still my foodie instinct would say, "please, sir, I want some more." Like a foodie thrill seeker I sought-after more. THE FAT DUCK (San Pellegrino World's 50 Best Restaurants - Third Best Restaurant in the World, Chef's Choice. (2010).

Next, the word bike. Okay, I am not actually a cycling enthusiast, yet. That will be the dialog with this blog. It will explore my own self-discovery of food by bike. I aim to answer "how to" food by bike.