Only One Ride Away

31-some miles in the late November afternoon sunshine, after staying in the sack too long and missing the scheduled ride with the group.  Chilly in the wind and cold in the shadows, and the low temperature sucking more out of me than expected.  Still, great views, descents, lots of friendly cyclists out on the road and once again reminded why I do this.  Or, as has been the case, you are only a bike ride away from redemption.

How Far Is It?

The Old Guy on Two Wheels writes eloquently about the zen of the Bike Commute.   Key quote, 'Tonight’s commute was a mixture of magic and joy.'  Nice to read after all the other pieces recently about how mean the streets are out there.   And, even Los Angeles is getting into the act.   Note this piece entitled Fear and Loathing and Cycling in LA.   LACounty Bike Coalition Exec Director Jennifer Klausner talks about riding in the City of Angels and gets to the heart of what David Byrne described about seeing the city from the saddle in Bicycle Diaries.

Coffeeneuring Extra Credit

Colder, windier, darker as we progress toward the winter equinox, but still, plenty enough time to get in one more coffeeneuring adventure this fall.    Headed into the South Wind toward Pioneer Square and Zeitgeist.   The Second Avenue canyon produced a whirlwind, side wind, interesting traffic on a Seahawk Sunday, but despite all of that, I managed to get to the place where the coffeeneuring started for me this year.

After a pick-me-up and with the tailwind at my back, I flew up Alaska Way, through Myrtle Edwards Park and then stopped to snap a photo of an angry Elliott Bay.

Crossed the Ship Canal at the Locks, and back via BGT.  28 miles, and about 2,500 YTD.  This is a route I've done countless times, but always a favorite with the water views, the ramble through Interlaken, Pioneer Square, a couple of bridges, and getting the essence of Seattle on a bike.

Coffeeneuring complete!

The first Seattle coffeeneur officially completes the #Coffeeneuring Challenge http://t.co/LZ6KJwFoNl @papahazama
— Chasing Mailboxes (@coffeeneur) November 11, 2013

Coffeeneuring #7

Coffeeneuring #7 took me to Tully's Alki Point in West Seattle for a 2x latte in a pleasant orange cup and a piece of their banana walnut bread.  I chose this destination as it is a meeting point for many a Cascade Bike Club ride, and for the contrasts apparent in riding out there in November as opposed to summer months.  During the warm and bright seasons, Alki is full of walkers, riders, skateboarders, beach goers, cruisers, hog riders and tourists.  But, now we are into full and deep autumn, there's little traffic with all the grey and the cold, wet breeze blowing from the north.

Two weeks off the bike, due to a significant family event away from the area, work commitments and the annual onslaught of the worst weather of the year, and I felt the effects of the layoff in my legs and back.   Plus the days are getting shorter, and my lights took effect as I made it home in the dark.    

40 miles or so, but satisfaction gained from completing the challenge and being a part of something larger than myself.

To recap then -

• 7 coffeeneuring rambles completed.  All took place in King County, Washington, USA, North America, Planet Earth.  All but one were entirely within the Seattle City Limits.
• All of said 7 rides involved obtaining and consuming hot caffeinated beverages and accompanying carbohydrates, baked goods usually with chocolate.
• 5 of the rides were accomplished using the trusty Bleriot, pictured above.   On the first 2, I rode the Lemond Alpe d'Huez.
• Best latte was served by Caffe Ladro.
• Best goodie was purchased at consumed at Zoka.
• About 250 miles ridden in pursuit of the coffeeneuring dream.
• Photo documentation is here.

Lessons learned - 

• Coffee and cycling complement each other well.
• Many other great people across the planet have noticed this natural connection and share their special understanding using modern tools.
• Coffeeneuring is what we do, not a special event limited to the autumn.

Dr. Gonzo on living a meaningful life....

20-Year-Old Hunter S. Thompson’s Superb Advice on How to Find Your Purpose and Live a Meaningful Life | Brain Pickings:

Fear and Longing

Lovely Bicycle!: Fear and Longing:

Absolutely too much of this this year, or any year for that matter.   Velouria's life was irreversibly altered, though she doesn't say how, but leave her the space and let her write eloquently, in her own time.

Here's the link to Pamela's post about her being hit by the truck.

Too many distracted drivers, watching their cell phones, pinging and tweeting and talking and texting.  And too many distracted people, in between their headphones, not being intentional and aware.

And, the creak of getting older.   Knees and hips hurt. Stiff.   What's this bulge in my side?  Frontier Doctor says it's not the real bad stuff, probably, but let's make sure by taking a look inside.  So, more uncertainty.

But, the daughter did marry.  And, Steve is right.  And that was all good.

Now, onto the next set of challenges, uncertainties, and paying attention to the important.  Oh, and let's complete the coffeeneuring challenge!  It's good to have goals and get into nature.