Today is the twenty-third anniversary of my twenty-ninth birthday (for the math impaired, I am in my early 50′s). A few days ago I received a small package in the mail from Clif Bar & Company, makers of the world-famous Clif Bar. When I opened the package I found a “Happy Birthday” postcard, a Clif Bar decal, one birthday candle and a Coconut Chocolate Chip Clif Bar. The package made my day!
Coconut Chocolate Chip Clif Bar
I am truly embarrassed to admit how ignorant about nutrition I was when I started cycling. I took up cycling to lose weight, but knew I had to eat something while on long rides to keep my energy up. However, since I had no idea of what or how much I should eat while cycling I made a lot of mistakes. I tried to eat PowerBar Energy Gels on my rides, but those things always tasted like a high school chemistry experiment gone bad. The first time I tried a Clif Bar was the day I quit buying anything from PowerBar.
Clif Bars come in nineteen different flavors are made with 70% organic ingredients—but without high fructose corn syrup, hydrogenated oils, trans fats, or artificial flavors, sweeteners and preservatives. Each bar has between 230 and 250 calories and they average around 44 grams of carbohydrates and 10 grams of protein each. Clif Bars are also Kosher and vegan approved. Individual Clif Bars retail for around $1.50 at the grocery stores in my area, and they are cheaper if you buy them in a 12 pack.
Since I am talking about Clif Bars (again) let me suggest a great book: Raising the Bar: Integrity and Passion in Life and Business: The Story of Clif Bar & Co. This paperback book tells the story of how Clif Bars came into being and how the company became one of the fastest-growing private companies in the U.S. I recommend this book not just because I enjoy their products, but because I sincerely appreciate their corporate integrity. I wish every business owner in America would read this book—both their employees and their customers would be better off!
Chasing Fifty
April 30, 2012 at 8:12 AM
I, too, am a big Clif Bar fan. Thanks for the suggestion on the book. Just downloaded it to the Kindle app, and will read it on my next trip.
All Seasons Cyclist
April 30, 2012 at 11:35 AM
I wish everyone in business would get the book — a great work ethic & business philosophy is presented.
Chatter Master
April 30, 2012 at 8:16 AM
Happy Birthday! I love me a good Clif Bar! Almond and Cherry is THE best!
All Seasons Cyclist
April 30, 2012 at 11:37 AM
Chatter Master, thanks for the birthday wishes. Black Cherry Almond is one of my two favorites (the other being Chocolate Brownie).
billgncs
April 30, 2012 at 8:17 AM
happy birthday, may you ride through many more. I will try them, although I enjoy shot blocks too.
All Seasons Cyclist
April 30, 2012 at 11:39 AM
billgncs, thanks! I use a lot of Clif Shot Blocks as well (Black Cherry with caffeine)
Cuzzn-Dread
April 30, 2012 at 8:20 AM
Happy Earthday! That Clif Bar sure looks tasty. Nice to know that it is a healthy snack made from oganic products. Thanks fo sharing and enjoy your day!
All Seasons Cyclist
April 30, 2012 at 11:39 AM
They are healthy, organic and easy on the stomach (really important on long rides)
Sandra
April 30, 2012 at 8:26 AM
I LOVE clif Bars! (Chocolate Brownies are the best)
All Seasons Cyclist
April 30, 2012 at 11:40 AM
I put the Chocolate Brownies in a tie with Black Cherry Almond!
Dan Hegner
April 30, 2012 at 10:38 AM
IMHO, Clif bars are the best tasting energy bars out there – excellent source of fuel/energy for those long rides!
All Seasons Cyclist
April 30, 2012 at 11:41 AM
Dan, so far I’ve never tasted a better carb bar than the Clif Bars — but I still try to sample every new product that hits the market.
aa
April 30, 2012 at 11:54 AM
First of all, Happy Birthday! Second, I love it when a company surprises the customer with outstanding, above and beyond, customer service. It is often the little things that retain a customer for life.
All Seasons Cyclist
April 30, 2012 at 9:17 PM
Thanks! The folks at Clif Bar are well-known for customer service.
bokchoicowboy
April 30, 2012 at 12:59 PM
Would love Clif bars if they would put out bars that are guaranteed free from tree nuts. Big allergy that does not allow any wiggle room when the package states “May contain traces of nuts”. Clif has the best of everything, but I cannot enjoy any of it.
All Seasons Cyclist
April 30, 2012 at 9:20 PM
Making a product “guaranteed free from tree nuts” is very to do unless they have separate facilities since tree nut dust can travel long distances and can be fatal to some people in very small doses. I have some friends who work in the industry and they tell me that many products carry the “May contain traces of nuts” even if they NEVER use tree nuts in the factory — just to keep the lawyers happy.
ibikeubike
April 30, 2012 at 1:33 PM
Happy Birthday!! The amazing thing is biking and eating right turn back the clock! I bet your biological age is going backwards!
Great posts! I’m glad to hear clif bars are vegan! Our family is always looking for something to take on the go!!
All Seasons Cyclist
April 30, 2012 at 9:23 PM
ibikeubike — I take the “Real Age” test every year (RealAge.com) and at the moment my calendar age is 53, but my “Real Age” is 33. Ten years ago (before I lost weight and took up cycling) my “Real Age” was 62, even though I was in my early 40′s. Diet and exercise make all the difference in the world!
Frank Burns
April 30, 2012 at 4:55 PM
…..haven’t tried Clif Bars yet, but I do use something similar, totally made of compressed fruit, with absolutely nothing else added. Like you, I have a lot of reservations about gels and certain other power foods and drinks. Many of them are much too chemically enhanced. I sometimes argue……what is wrong with the simple (and wholesome) banana?
Many thanks for sharing those thoughts.
All Seasons Cyclist
April 30, 2012 at 9:25 PM
I prefer organic products when I have a choice. The only problem with bananas is that on a six hour ride I wouldn’t have enough room in my jersey pockets to carry them!
ericaamber
April 30, 2012 at 7:51 PM
Happy birthday!! Clif bars are the best!! I’m also a huge fan of the Elevate Me bars, SO delicious and full of healthy stuff!
All Seasons Cyclist
April 30, 2012 at 9:29 PM
Erica — I have never heard of Elevate Me bars before. I went to Amazon.com to see if they have them in stock but they don’t. However, I did sign up to receive an e-mail from them when this item is available. I look forward to trying (and reviewing) them.
ericaamber
April 30, 2012 at 10:02 PM
Their website is http://www.prosnack.com/ It’s a Vancouver based company, which is probably why you haven’t heard of them! I’m a celiac so it’s tough for me to find a bar that has enough protein AND is gluten free. I’d love to hear what you think of them!
All Seasons Cyclist
April 30, 2012 at 10:09 PM
Erica, I just ordered a variety pack of Elevate Me bars (a 12-pack).
Cherry
April 30, 2012 at 9:00 PM
I love Clif Bars too! Their Carrot Cake & Mint Chocolate flavours are my favourites!!
All Seasons Cyclist
April 30, 2012 at 9:31 PM
Cherry — their Carrot Cake bar is another one of my favorites. It actually tastes better than the Carrot Cake served at some restaurants (and a lot cheaper).
Ironvan
May 1, 2012 at 1:20 AM
Yo man. I think you already got this, but you deserve it again. Im nominating you for the Kreativ Blogger award!
http://ironvan.com/2012/04/30/long-way-from-big-sky/
All Seasons Cyclist
May 1, 2012 at 2:08 PM
Thanks — and welcome to the club!
Jeff Shone
May 1, 2012 at 3:30 AM
They look Yummy! It seems I can get them in the UK too!
http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=clif+bars&tag=googhydr-21&index=aps&hvadid=8235956329&hvpos=1t1&hvexid=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=538392805143265756&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=e&ref=pd_sl_5p28aixql0_e
All Seasons Cyclist
May 1, 2012 at 2:08 PM
Jeff, glad you can get them in the UK. However, if my dollars to pounds conversion table is correct the price is a bit steep in the UK!
RudeGalRider
May 2, 2012 at 9:11 AM
I am doing fairly short rides, 15 miles or less, so I haven’t felt the need to carry along snacks when I’m biking. I will do longer rides eventually and appreciate the advice about the Clif Bars. It does look yummy! I’ll check out the book you recommend. I am pretty jaded when it comes to American businesses, but there’s a few good ones out there … always glad to hear about another one.
All Seasons Cyclist
May 2, 2012 at 10:26 AM
RudeGalRider, unfortunately, many American businesses have cut their quality to try to compete against “foreign” companies. I would rather pay a bit more and get quality than save a bit and get junk. Clif Bars are definitely high quality products!
donationcan
May 4, 2012 at 8:23 PM
Happy Birthday! I love Cliff Bars and will check out the book.
Donation-Can.com
All Seasons Cyclist
May 4, 2012 at 11:05 PM
Thank you!
Shay M
May 5, 2012 at 1:13 AM
That is awesome that they do that. Great stuff
All Seasons Cyclist
May 5, 2012 at 1:34 AM
They are one of those companies that goes “above and beyond” the call of customer service