My 2017 Errandonnee, or How I Turned My Bike Commute Into Every Category of Errand
This year I attempted both an Errandonnee by bike and one on two feet. I was successful in both, although it involved flexibility in interpretation of the already-broad categories, and almost all trips were linked to a commute. Having started a new job that isn’t as near to downtown and retail, I’m not passing the areas where I regularly run my errands, and I’m still adjusting … Continue reading My 2017 Errandonnee, or How I Turned My Bike Commute Into Every Category of Errand
The Errandonnee 2017: Out Like A Lion
Let’s run out the month of March with an annual tradition. It’s the Errandonnee, a challenge designed for the utility cyclist and transportation runner with errands to do, no matter the season. The short version of the Errandonnee is: Errandonnee: Complete 12 errands in 12 days, and ride or run a total of 30 miles between March 20-31, 2017. Since we must run errands anyway, let’s … Continue reading The Errandonnee 2017: Out Like A Lion
Follow Through: D.C. Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon
If you never disclose your intentions, no one will know whether or not you ever followed through. But if you share them, then the plans are out there, just waiting for the next water cooler conversation. Such was the case for me with Saturday’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon in D.C. The freezing weekend forecast after a winter full of mild weather set up better for a cozy weekend at home drinking hot cocoa … Continue reading Follow Through: D.C. Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon
Coffeeneuring Challenge Recap and Guest Post!
Hello friends, it’s been a little while. I’m still here, though, and I hope to return to a more regular schedule of blogging soon. Tooday features a guest post from fellow coffeeneur, blogger, and six-time Coffeeneuring Challenge finisher, Vannevar, who has put together some intriguing facts and figures about the latest edition of the challenge. Patches for this year’s challenge have been sent. If you did not … Continue reading Coffeeneuring Challenge Recap and Guest Post!
Life is Uncertain, Eat Dessert First
It’s a new year, time to stop eating all the holiday M&Ms and candy canes I bought for 80 percent off at CVS. Ready to start 2017, I tell myself. Just two weeks ago I set aside time to consider my goals for the year, but did so in front of the computer interspersed with way too much refresh of the national news, where uncertainty about what’s … Continue reading Life is Uncertain, Eat Dessert First
2016: Bike as Backbone
My year in cycling was another surprise when I compare how I felt about it versus the story reflected in photos and miles. The story was far better than perception during a period when time on the bike was – like my running in 2016 – inconsistent from month to month, making for a herky jerky year. Waa wahhhh, there are many real issues to worry about. … Continue reading 2016: Bike as Backbone
Running Down the Hits: 12 Months on 2 Feet
The year winds down, and the lull in normal activity opens up time for reflection. The last 12 months have signified intense growth for me, but not in the areas that I write about here. I tried some new things I wanted to do, and learned a lot about the importance of incremental progress and a good sense of humor. Both running and cycling remained foundational activities to my … Continue reading Running Down the Hits: 12 Months on 2 Feet
The Running Drug
The trees outside my window waved vigorously, their movement dissuading me from any outdoor time. I checked the weekend temperature, and 30s looked back at me. But with my cycling partner Felkerino under the weather this weekend, I was left with a window of time to do as I pleased. While the lure of the couch was strong, I struggled into my workout clothes and threw … Continue reading The Running Drug
Everyday Magic
I almost didn’t run the Coffeeneuring Challenge this year. Really, I was on the fence about it. While gratified to see the challenge grow over time, I was also concerned it would be too much to manage, especially the way my year has gone in other areas. Felkerino convinced me that I should run the Coffeeneuring Challenge in 2016, and said he would help in any … Continue reading Everyday Magic
Opting
The last couple of days, my Instagram feed has filled with the #optoutside hashtag, as Insta connections spend the day in nature and the outdoors instead of dedicating time in retail spaces or in front of their computer. Part of me is glad for that, although I suspect that most of the people I know would choose the #optoutside path. Not in response to Black Friday. It’s just what … Continue reading Opting
Heavy Hearts and Bicycle Breezes
Heavy hearts are the worst. A heavy heart burrows into your stomach and crowds other organs, causing discomfort. A heavy heart – being so burdened – needs extra oxygen to function, which can leave a person deflated and lethargic. It takes a lot of energy to endure a heavy heart. While it seems counterintuitive, a bicycle breeze may help temporarily lighten a heavy heart. Especially an autumn bicycle breeze. Unlike a … Continue reading Heavy Hearts and Bicycle Breezes
Coffeeneuring Challenge Prize Reveal and… Maps!
The Coffeeneuring Challenge continues to be in full swing, and riders have until November 20 to complete 7 rides to 7 different places for 7 cups of coffee. That means if you have completed at least one ride, you can still successfully complete this year’s Coffeeneuring Challenge. As submissions arrive at Coffeeneuring Challenge Headquarters, they will be reviewed and verified. In addition, the cities and states where coffeeneuring … Continue reading Coffeeneuring Challenge Prize Reveal and… Maps!
Harvest in Iowa
It’s been years since I was in Iowa during the fall, but in an effort to avoid the harsher months of Midwest weather, I scheduled an October return to my home state. I arrived during the sweet spot of harvest, when farmers work all hours to remove the crops that have been growing all summer and just before any pungent natural fertilizer has been spread over these same … Continue reading Harvest in Iowa
The Coffeeneur Behind the Coffeeneuring Patch Designs: Doug of Umbrella Works
The 2016 Coffeeneuring Challenge prize is about to be revealed, but before the grand unveiling, I’m featuring the man behind the excellent coffeeneuring designs of the past two years. Doug of umbrella works stepped forward last year to offer his skills in creating the Coffeeneuring Challenge patch prize, and we’ve been working together since. Many thanks to Doug for being part of coffeeneuring. His involvement … Continue reading The Coffeeneur Behind the Coffeeneuring Patch Designs: Doug of Umbrella Works
How to Take a Coffeeneuring Photo
While there is no shortage of rules for the Coffeeneuring Challenge, there is nothing specific in the rules about what constitutes an acceptable coffeeneuring photo entry, only that your ride must be documented in some way. Even so, people regularly ask me what sort of photo will pass muster. Does your coffee mug have to be in the photo? What about your bike? The simple answer to both … Continue reading How to Take a Coffeeneuring Photo
