Review: Po Campo Bergen Pannier
Ever since my ride to work went from 2.5 miles to 7.5 miles one-way, I have been in pursuit of the ideal bike commute setup. After a few months, I settled on using a Carradice Camper for the to and fro, and that worked well, as long as I did not need to ride anywhere else during the day. Recently I’ve been needing to attend … Continue reading Review: Po Campo Bergen Pannier
Bike In Bloom Destiny
One lesson I keep relearning is that you can’t work too hard to make things happen. You can put your shoulder into something only so much. After that, other factors must play a role. Nowhere in my life is this more true than with Capital Bikeshare‘s elusive Bike In Bloom. In concert with the annual Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C., Capital Bikeshare releases the … Continue reading Bike In Bloom Destiny
Errandonnee 2018: The Details of our Lives
The Errandonnee is back for its sixth year, my friends. This challenge is designed for the utility cyclist and transportation runner with errands to do, no matter the season. That cyclist or runner might be you! 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, 2018. Errands are inevitable, so … Continue reading Errandonnee 2018: The Details of our Lives
Peaceful Everyday Actions
You may not have noticed, but the time I’ve spent in this space has reduced over the last year. Several factors contributed to this, but the most dominant was the belief that my energy needed to be spent understanding the state of current affairs in the U.S. For much of 2017, I took a deep dive on various topics of the day, and used bike … Continue reading Peaceful Everyday Actions
Landscape Adjustments on Ohio Drive
Over the years that I’ve lived in the District, Ohio Drive has become one of my favorite city streets, especially around this time of year – the non-tourist season. Compared to many other routes, the car traffic is relatively light. The road follows the bends of the Potomac, offering up rare views of open space in the urban environment. Cherry trees, willows, and elms line … Continue reading Landscape Adjustments on Ohio Drive
Winter Commute Days
While winter is not my most preferred cycling season, it does have its perks. Fewer people are out, making the city a more contemplative place, and non-cycling friends and colleagues regularly give me props for riding in less-than-inviting pedaling conditions. (“You’re so tough, MG.” Ha ha ha ha, we know the truth.) In exchange, I go through lengthy preparations for the outdoors – donning multiple … Continue reading Winter Commute Days
Try Harder, Calm Down: Final Thoughts on 2017
At the beginning of each year, I like to set an intention to carry me with me over the next 12 months. These are usually developed as a way to address some aspect of life I’m wrestling with. For 2017 my intention was “Try harder, calm down.” Stuffed with anxiety about 2017, I resolved to somehow find a way to calm down. Reading the headlines at … Continue reading Try Harder, Calm Down: Final Thoughts on 2017
2017: A Fine Year to Ride Bikes – And the Photos to Prove It
Around this time last year, I was 90 percent blah about cycling. I appreciated the bike for how it improved my quality of life and distanced me from driving and other transportation options, but I was not enjoying the rides. Blah, time to go get groceries on my bike. Blah my boring commute awaits. Blah a brevet. Blah to it all. But 2017 turned out … Continue reading 2017: A Fine Year to Ride Bikes – And the Photos to Prove It
Coffeeneuring Challenge 2017 Finisher’s Prize Reveal!
The Coffeeneuring Challenge continues to roll strong. Submissions are beginning to trickle in (four people as of this writing) and it’s time to announce the 2017 Coffeeneuring Challenge Finisher’s Prize. Each year the patch design varies, and is only available to those who complete the Coffeeneuring Challenge. Chasing Mailboxes has again partnered with Doug of Umbrella Works for this year’s patch prize. Check out his Coffeneuring designs from … Continue reading Coffeeneuring Challenge 2017 Finisher’s Prize Reveal!
Coffeeneuring Rewind with John: Coffee Outside and Meanders along the Chesapeake Bay
One of the kerpillion things I love about coffeeneuring is the virtual journey I go on through people’s submissions. Some people send snapshot summaries, while other write-ups read like a travel journal. John, who rides in the areas on the Virginia Peninsula is one of the latter. He not only shows us around his neighborhood, but shares his coffee and brewing methods used during his … Continue reading Coffeeneuring Rewind with John: Coffee Outside and Meanders along the Chesapeake Bay
What the World Needs Now: Coffeeneuring
More people than ever appear to be taking on the Coffeeneuring Challenge this year. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and even Strava are full of vignettes of people’s rides to coffee (or other acceptable beverage). The Seven is a Lucky Number theme is working! It’s our year! If you have not yet started, get on your bike today and you can still qualify as an official coffeeneur … Continue reading What the World Needs Now: Coffeeneuring
Coffeeneuring Challenge Kicks Off Friday the 13th!
Friday the 13th, my friends, it’s time for the long-awaited Coffeeneuring Challenge. I’ll be at A Baked Joint in Washington, D.C., so if you are local swing by and say hi. To all those taking on the challenge near and far, I look forward to virtually following your coffeeneuring trips. Bonne route, everybody! Continue reading Coffeeneuring Challenge Kicks Off Friday the 13th!
Freedom’s Run Marathon: Do It Yourself Duathlon
An annual tradition continued this year, as I completed my fourth consecutive “Ride to Harpers Ferry from D.C. on Friday, Run Freedom’s Run Marathon on Saturday, and Ride Home from Harpers Ferry on Sunday” do-it-yourself duathlon. If you look at the low running miles in the bank this year, I did not deserve this run, but I must be doing something right because this was … Continue reading Freedom’s Run Marathon: Do It Yourself Duathlon
Seven is a Lucky Number: The 7th Annual Coffeeneuring Challenge
My favorite birthday card ever was from my seventh birthday. The card read: “Seven is a lucky number That’s what people say And so your seventh birthday Ought to be your lucky day.” The Coffeeneuring Challenge turns seven this year, surely a lucky year. Ironically, we kick it all off on Friday the 13th of October. Many thanks to all who have participated and brought … Continue reading Seven is a Lucky Number: The 7th Annual Coffeeneuring Challenge
Yoga: It’s Like Riding a Bike
Since I started going to yoga in May, I’ve been keeping a journal of my experiences with it. Nothing long, just a few sentences per class. So far, my notes vacilate between small moments of accomplishment and periods of intense frustration. The worst student of yoga in all the land in one entry, a pupil with potential the next. Yoga reminds me of the initial … Continue reading Yoga: It’s Like Riding a Bike
