Highlights: The Ice Cream Ride

 Bikes, buddies, and beautiful weather made for the ultimate celebration of National Ice Cream Day! Over 40 riders, from kids to sweet-toothed grownups, gathered at Cesar Chavez Plaza in San Jose.  We pedaled a Sunday pace on a 6-mile loop through the festive Calle Willow Business District, the ever-popular Willow Glen area, and the bustling Midtown district.La Original Paleteria y Neveria was our highly anticipated first stop, with many visiting the family-owned ice creamery for the first time.  The shop expertly served up ice cream and smoothies, while the owner generously handed out large bottles of water to all the riders. On a day with 95-degree heat, this was much appreciated!After the last ice cream was consumed, the group traveled along the lovely bike lane down Willow Street to the second stop – the well-known-for-good-reason Willow Glen Creamery. The most common comment made about the ice cream? “I ordered a small, but look at the size of the scoops!” There was plenty of shaded space for people to enjoy their giant servings of frozen dairy delights while chatting with friends and making new ones.The interest in ice cream didn’t slow down with the third stop, proving that people have an unending appetite for cold, sweet treats. Goodies Homemade Ice Cream & Fudge had a wide array of flavors, not to mention all manner of fudge, brownies, and cake pops.  I couldn’t resist trying the Raj Bhog, a special flavor of ice cream from India made from roasted almonds, pistachios, cashews, saffron and cardamom.  It was delicious!Special thanks to Smart Moves for sponsoring this fun social ride and to the volunteers who provided ride support for the large crowd to make sure we all stayed together!