Jacob Hollinger wasn't even breathing hard.
The Physical Plant staffer was pedaling his way to a fruity treat at the bike-powered smoothie booth set up by the Wellness Center and bike-advocacy group People Power at Tuesday's Staff Appreciation Picnic.
"It's not hard," Hollinger said, casually, while a blender attachment powered by the raised bike's spinning wheels whirred berries, mango, apple juice, yogurt, and spinach into a tasty delight.
Such entertainment, as well as live music and informational tables, greeted staff members as they streamed onto the East Field for the annual Staff Appreciation Picnic, put on by the Staff Advisory Board.
Chancellor Blumenthal and his wife, Kelly Weisberg, attended the picnic, greeted staff members, and even got to work on the serving line.
This year's fare was Mexican, including tacos, beans, guacamole, and more. A long line of hungry staffers snaked along the grass as an all-staff band belted out blues tunes.
The food was good, said Guy Nelson, who works in the carpenter shop at Physical Plant, and it was nice to get out and socialize.
"It's good to talk to people you don't really see a lot," Nelson said.
"I think it's great," agreed Santiago Calderon, an adviser in the Admissions Office who also helps organize campus tours. "I'm feeling appreciated."
