RUSA Member Profile: Michele Brougher, Great Lakes Randonneurs RBA
Tough as nails is the phrase that comes to mind as I reflect on my recent RUSA Member Profile of Michele Brougher of the Great Lakes Randonneurs. Michele is currently the RBA for the Great Lakes Randonneurs, and has spent much of the last two years recovering from a serious accident during Paris Brest Paris. In our interview, we discuss what it’s like to be … Continue reading RUSA Member Profile: Michele Brougher, Great Lakes Randonneurs RBA
RUSA Member Profile: Seattle’s Theo Roffe
This edition of RUSA Member Profiles turns to the Pacific Northwest for a conversation with Theo Roffe, active member of the Seattle International Randonneurs in Washington state (Yes, that Washington!). A randonneur since 2010, Theo talks about the appeal of the flèche, volunteering, and the ways randonneuring opens up the range of what we think possible. How did you become involved in randonneuring? I rode my first … Continue reading RUSA Member Profile: Seattle’s Theo Roffe
RUSA Member Profile: Greg Olmstead of San Diego Randonneurs
In today’s RUSA Member Profile, we head to San Diego to talk with Greg Olmstead of the San Diego Randonneurs. Greg shares how he first became a randonneur, what it’s like to ride around San Diego, as well as his diligent pursuit of the American Explorer Award on his custom Zinn 74 cm (!!) randonneuring steed. Which club is your home club? I’ve been a … Continue reading RUSA Member Profile: Greg Olmstead of San Diego Randonneurs
Randonneurs USA Profile: Jerry Phelps
A little over one year ago, I began interviewing Randonneurs USA (RUSA) members for American Randonneur, the quarterly RUSA newsletter. I have the pleasure of talking with members from clubs across the country who not only ride brevets, but are active in their local randonneuring scene and volunteer for randonneuring events. In order for these interviews to reach a broader group and perhaps inspire others … Continue reading Randonneurs USA Profile: Jerry Phelps
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
