reflections
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The 15th Street Bike Lane: Pros and Cons
Did you know that the Washington City Paper recently named the 15th Street Bike Lane (or “cycletrack,” as the City Paper said), the “Best Bike Lane of 2011?” I did not even knew this was a “Best of” category. For those who may not have ridden it yet, the 15th Street Bike Lane is a… Continue reading
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Cyclist Stan Miller and Community Impact Statements
Yesterday was the sentencing for the person who killed our friend and fellow cyclist, Stan Miller. Prior to the sentencing, individuals were invited to submit Community Impact Statements that would then be read and considered by the judge in Stan’s case. The purpose of these statements is to show the implications of a person’s death… Continue reading
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TDR Rando Photo Contest – Wild Card
The fourth and final category of the 2nd Annual TDR Rando Photo Contest is the Wild Card. This category allows photos from Populaires and Permanents, and is the catch-all category for those brevet photos that do not seem to fit in Randonneur Lifestyle, Obligatory Cow Photo/Nature Shot, or Spirit of Randonneuring. I had a couple… Continue reading
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TDR Rando Photo Contest – Spirit of Randonneuring
Since I began riding brevets, I have often heard the phrase “Spirit of Randonneuring.” Blah blah blah represents the Spirit of Randonneuring. Doop be doop does not. Randonneuring means different things to different people, and the selection of photos below represents the images from this past year that fall into my own definition of the… Continue reading
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TDR Rando Photo Contest – Obligatory Cow Photo/Nature Shot
With the recent announcement of the 2nd Annual TDR Rando Photo Contest, I’ve been itching to show some of my favorite 2010 brevet moments captured on film. You saw my Randonneur Lifestyle favorites, and today I’m displaying the Obligatory Cow Photo/Nature Shots that I thought worthy of sharing. Continue reading
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TDR Rando Photo Contest – Randonneur Lifestyle
Happy New Year, all! Last week, Felkerino and I launched the 2nd Annual TDR Rando Photo Contest. This is a way for us to highlight all the awesome rides and and the people who rode them over the past year. The fabulous Gregg Bleakney is judging the Rando Photo Contest, and Felkerino and I are… Continue reading
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Santa Hat Helmet Cover = Extra Festive + Extra Nice Drivers?
Chasing Mailboxes readers!! I believe I have hit upon something brilliant and economical that combines the spirit of the holidays and cycling safety. It’s my Santa hat “helmet cover.” Since I began wearing this helmet cover, I’ve noticed drivers and pedestrians being especially nice to me. People have remarked, “Nice hat,” shouted “Ho ho ho,… Continue reading
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What Makes December Cycling Fun
Is it the balaclavas, booties, and lobster gloves? Think again. December is a fun month for commuting in Washington, D.C. because the streets and paths of the city become scarcely populated and the city brings out its holiday lights and decor to celebrate the season. It’s also a great month to be a cyclist for a… Continue reading
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Missing the Bike: Surly LHT Edition
Remember how I said I did not write a thank-you note to my Surly LHT and felt somewhat guilty about it? This week I unearthed this draft post from a fall trip to Knoxville, Tennessee. Bike love is everywhere! Enjoy!! Continue reading
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Catching up with George Swain
George Swain was about 25 miles into this past August’s Endless Mountains 1000K when his ride abruptly ended. A car rear-ended him at speed. I remember seeing George at the accident scene that day. Helplessness, shock, and worry all ran through my body. I learned later that, by some miracle, George had escaped neurological injury.… Continue reading
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Metro? Sometimes, it’s alright.
Before beginning my commute Monday morning, I stepped outside, assessed the cold and wet, and resigned myself to a Metro ride. Bike riding? Eh, not this damp day, thanks. (Extra credit to all of you who rode, ok?) Continue reading
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A Cyclist Hurt my Feelings Today. Boo hoo.
While Alberto Contador was informing the world about his recent bout with food poisoning, I had my feelings hurt by a cyclist. You be the judge about which is worse. I know it’s difficult to believe that a cyclist would hurt another person’s feelings, given that all cyclists are nice people who care about everyone… Continue reading
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Pandas!
No, silly, I’m not talking about the black and white animals you see at the zoo eating bamboo. I’m talking about “panda portraits,” photos you take of yourself while riding your bicycle. Panda portraits are one of the best ways to memorialize your participation on bike rides. You can’t always be relying on the rando-paparazzi.… Continue reading
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Tour Buses and My Commute
One of the things I loved the most about summer commuting was navigating the tour buses. It was great. My commute went from a somewhat sedate ride to one filled with anticipation of the unknown. Now the summertime bus traffic has ebbed somewhat, but there are still plenty out there. Many thoughts run through my brain… Continue reading
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I Used to be a Randonneur Superhero
When Ed and I rolled into the finish of the Endless Mountains 1000K after 67:37 hours in the company of five other accomplished randonneurs, I felt amazing. There was pain in my knee and I felt dirty and smelled bad, but all that was eclipsed by what our group had accomplished. Continue reading
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Crooked Helmet Photos
Fellow cyclists and randonneurs, As ambassadors of the cycling community, it is of critical importance that we always look our best. That doesn’t just mean wearing the latest and greatest in cycling wear and reflective clothing. It also means that we must be mindful of our helmets! Some have argued that our greatest fashion dilemma… Continue reading
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Flip Flop Commuters
There is a lot of controversy around the flip flop. Is there ever a time when it’s ok to wear them at the office? Are they appropriate for the Metro? Is there such a thing as a fancy flip flop? If you shouldn’t wear flip flops with your business clothes, are they acceptable as casual wear?… Continue reading
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Let Us be Mindful and Caring
Today, as I walked to work I spent a lot of time thinking about Stan Miller. I don’t know why thoughts of him kept creeping into my head. Perhaps because it was such a beautiful day to be outside and there were lots of people out riding their bikes or walking to the office. Stan… Continue reading
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The Journey
Today, I thought I’d take some time to consider the beauty of commuting by bike, despite the daily risks that cyclists face out on the roads. Be safe, everybody. I regularly commute to work by bike. I used to take the Metro, but I gradually discovered there is a much richer way to experience life… Continue reading
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Saying Good-Bye to our Friend Stan Miller
Today we learned that one of our cycling and randonneuring friends, Stan Miller, was killed by a suspected drunk driver. The story regarding this tragic accident may be read here. It is difficult to accept that we will never go for another ride with Stan. Below is a photo Jan Bull took of Stan. This… Continue reading
Chasing MailBoxes 