2024 Autumn Dahon Ride - Try, Try Again

Spoiler alert: I made it!

If plans go awry, get back out there and try again! Recently, when I set off on a 3-day journey via folding bike, a slashed tire sidelined the completion of day 3. Serendipity intervened in the form of a stranger who delivered me and my bicycle to the Amtrak station for the journey home. Luckily, another weekend weather window opened 3 weeks later, this time for an overnight only, hopefully, this time, making it to Saratoga National Historical Park.

With the Amtrak schedule running an hour late, I would be pushing daylight. However, most of the route to Troy was familiar, including the comfortable B&B. In addition, I was down to the wire, finishing the Coffeeneuring Challenge, and the only viable option open late was a Starbucks. Somehow I managed the visit: the latte was terrible, though the franchise sported the best, visible, sheltered bike rack. Go figure.

After a comfortable night's sleep, I set off northward, repeating miles in a frosty morning that gradually warmed.

I made it to the park! It was hilly, however, so between my flatlander legs and limited gears, I stuck to the main road following a ravine. There was a lot to explore, so a return trip would be necessary. At the visitor center, I hiked for 2 miles, guided by an online tour, then set off to Saratoga Springs and later Amtrak reservation. I enjoyed Google's hilly rural route by horse farmland, then around a portion of Lake Saratoga and its well-heeled lakeside homes, and eventually riding a main route into the city with wide shoulders. The gargantuan famous racetrack was a shocker, including the accompanying barns, stables, accommodation, parking lots, and museum. As I've said before, when you allow ample time for a new adventure, surprises make the journey.

With sunset at 4:30 in mind, I had ample time to safely pedal to the train station in daylight, so I visited Whitman Brewery, chosen for its long list of IPAs - I'm a big fan - and accompanying food. The burger and fries were delicious. Whitman was a good choice, so if you're in the area, check them out.

Remember, adventures are not always about the miles, but about encountering something new. 

Coffeeneuring 2024 - More Gouache Exploration, Rides 5-8

Coffeeneuring #5 - I painted this one with an acrylic gouache (more opaque, sharper edges).

This one is with my typical gouache (softer edges).

Vivid is a large coffee shop (formerly New Moon, with the vertical sign still evident). Without a nearby bike rack, I made do by wrapping my cable lock around a tree. I sat in front of the garage-type window, sipping my first Matcha Latte - wow, delicious!

5. The Place:  Vivid Coffee in Burlington
Date: Wednesday, November 6
Observation: Took the day off for Election fallout and decompression.
Total Miles: 13

Drink: Matcha Latte - my first!

Coffeeneuring #6 at Scout.

The Rose donuts at Scout are sooo good.

Local roaster Scout has a few cafes open later on the weekend, so I went to Winooski's location in a historic building. I am continually impressed with their smooth dark roast. Their cappuccino, once again, was exceptional. And their chewy donut is to die for!

6. The Place: Scout Coffee in Winooski

Date: Sunday, November 10

Drink: Cappuccino
Observation: Warmish and pushing daylight to arrive after 4 pm. Scout's coffee is very smooth, and likely the best brew around.
Total Miles: 15

Coffeeneuring #7 at a Starbucks.

I was away during the final weekend of Coffeenuring (and on a train for most of the day), so I sought out a cafe that would be open late afternoon—Starbucks. What could go wrong? I'll give them kudos for providing a visible bike rack, but the latte was watered out and the barista sheepishly said, "I'm sorry I don't know how to create coffee art." Fortunately, I found out later that the deadline was extended another week!

7. The Place: Starbucks in Troy, NY

Date: Saturday, November 16

Drink: Latte
Observation: low 50s, arrived at dusk, terrible latte for a Starbucks
Total Miles: 16

Coffeeneuring #8, going out with a bang - more delicious matcha

Bonus round thanks to Queen Coffeeneur for graciously extending the deadline.

I headed to downtown Burlington on a weekend, selecting Black Cap for its glass storefront and convenient bike rack. Their matcha was stellar and the flourless chocolate torte was very yummy! I delivered half the dessert to our youngest son, the bike mechanic because I can't treat him well enough for maintaining my bicycles!

8. The Place: Black Cap Coffee in Burlington

Date: Saturday, November 23

Drink: Autumn Harvest Matcha Latte
Observation: Downtown Burlington feels unsafe due to unhoused people yet it's where there's the widest variety of coffee shops. I was delighted to find Black Cap with a bike rack in front.
Total Miles: 17

I learned that I prefer the coffee shop without walls venue versus working around coffee shop hours. I enjoyed painting coffee art plus adding the handwritten details. Who knows, maybe I'm ready to incorporate mini landscapes into next year's coffeeneuring theme?

And like last year, the Coffeeneuring Quilt:

Light & Motion Urban 500 & VIS 500 Bike Lights - Review

The Light & Motion bike lights, particularly the traditional flashlight-shaped versions, have appealed to me for their multi-use features. Stow it in your pocket for night-time neighborhood walks, or swap between bikes. They also function as a light inside the tent or navigating a dark campground. 

I have used the Urban 500 (mint-colored model) for nine years, purchased locally to primarily extend the commuting season after the autumn time change. In recent years, it has allowed me to ride from a home office for exercise. It's been an amazing, reliable light, and the strap recently broke in the commonly used hole. Light & Motion sells parts so it was an easy repair. 

Both 500 lumen lights have four settings: 3 variable brightness modes and one flashing mode. They both share the same button switch - depress to switch on the brightest setting and cycle through to the flash mode. Hold button down longer and the light turns off. I use the second setting - 300 lumens - the most to light completely dark rail trails. There's enough brightness to spot unlit walkers, cyclists, and the occasional cat, deer, raccoon, and other nocturnal creatures. Both have amber side lights, handy for illuminating the handlebar, and long battery life (and similar indicator) though in 25F weather understandably, a bit less.

A couple years ago, fearing the Urban's eventual demise, I picked up a discounted VIS 500 (red color) as a backup, taking a chance on a new model. 

The VIS 500 has different features; the extended battery life is noticeable. I presume that's due to newer technology. The beam pattern is not as broad so there's distinctly less peripheral lighting, thus less awareness of woodland nighttime critters. Another feature, deemed for safety, is the lock-out mode. Because it's a nuisance, I keep it unlocked for easier use. The button has taken some getting used to but now that I know the light's nuances, the VIS 500 is part of my regular rotation and was worth the discount.

Light and Motion may be discontinuing both models, though, in the future, I wouldn't hesitate to stick with the brand.

Three Day Dahon Adventure During Peak Foliage

I prefer to streamline luggage into as few bags as possible-less to keep track of.

In late October, peak foliage and weather aligned for a two-night, 3-day one-way ride on my Dahon Boardwalk. It was also an experiment, hauling extra gear on small wheels.  As mentioned before, I enjoy taking Amtrak, especially with a folding bike, because I avoid the standard bicycle reservation. Folding bikes are treated as luggage. The goal this time was to ride more of the Empire State Trail, a mostly trail-only segment from Hudson, NY northward, then explore the Saratoga Battlefield - a place I've meant to visit for 30+ years.

After several hours of staring out the train window at the spectacular fall color, anxious to ride, I arrived at 3 pm in Hudson, NY. Time was of the essence. I had 3 hours of daylight to ride 17 miles to a motel. 

The sunshine and warmth were intoxicating. I immediately stumbled onto these abandoned Hudson River fishing camps and I remembered something about their controversial removal. I couldn't linger, so I immediately connected with the Empire Trail—straight up a hill!

The Electric Trolley portion of the Empire State Trail was a gentle roller coaster, running beneath powerlines, overall hillier than a standard rail trail, yet the route was straightforward with adequate signage. The amount of on-road sections were more frequent than I expected, however, lower traffic, and winding through the colorful landscape beside a river had its merit. Pushing daylight, I managed to buy food and arrive at a motel by sunset.

I had invited a friend to join me, but she wasn't feeling well. I'm comfortable traveling solo so I don't let the lack of companionship deter me. It's important to keep exploring, and I certainly couldn't pass up this opportunity during peak foliage!

The next morning was chilly but I came prepared, so with a little backtracking I was soon back on route, heading northwest towards Albany. More rollers, more sublime scenery, including riding beside beautiful lakes.

Nassau Lake.

By late morning, I rode by more urban areas, connected with neighborhood roads, and eventually lost a lot of elevation in Rensselaer/Troy communities, arriving at the Hudson River. 

From there it was a familiar route, heading northward on the Mohawk Hudson Hike Bike Trail to my accommodation in Troy. Well ahead of check-in time, I decided to enjoy the last 10 miles.

I noticed that my front bag was coming apart, though it would probably hold up for the rest of the trip. Between the gravel trail, some dirt roads, the possibly overstuffed bag unlatched from its Klickfix attachment a couple times, though not dangerously so - I wind the shoulder strap around the handlebars for extra security. I caught the problem immediately in both instances and stopped to reattach it firmly in place. 

I spent the next several miles savoring the sunshine, thinking it was probably time to investigate using a front rack. Initially, I didn't want to add more weight to a 30 lb. bicycle - also carrying it on board trains - but redistributing the weight near the front wheel would likely improve handling and visibility, offsetting added rack weight. I already own midsize panniers. I also worried that the plastic Klickfix attachment might fail under too much load - the problem sometimes with proprietary gear. A small duffel or trunk bag on the rear rack could further enhance carrying capacity. 

Entering Troy, I found a riverside spot and enjoyed an early dinner at Browns Brewing due to the lack of eateries near my accommodation.

Afterward, I pedaled on, and scouted the B&B spot, but still early for check-in, nearby I discovered an entrance to Oakwood Cemetery. I pushed my bike up the steep road until gaining the plateau. What a stunning, winding, beautifully landscaped cemetery with many old graves, gates, monuments, and churches! I could spend hours wandering the grounds and put it on my radar to return someday.

Uncle Sam Bikeway. 

Upon my descent, I also found the Uncle Sam Bikeway, a trail I would take the next morning northward that would bypass narrow roads through neighborhoods.

Between the cemetery and the newly discovered trail, it felt like gifts. I allow extra time and/or don't focus on riding all day because I thoroughly enjoy finding new treasures.

The third day started wonderfully, chatting with an English couple at breakfast, setting off riding the colorful Uncle Sam Bikeway, then northward on the Champlain Canalway Trail.

The trail ended and I followed Empire State Trail signs northward on secondary roads, hugging the west side of the Hudson River. In Stillwater, I ate lunch in a lovely riverside park complete with a reconstructed blockhouse, watching and listening to geese and ducks in the water. 

Five miles later, I heard a bang and my bike was forced to a halt. Yikes, this wasn't good! I got off the road into the grass, and inspected the flat rear tire, discovering a 1.5" slash. Not good at all. Checking the road berm, I found sharp, flat scissors. Somehow, I hadn't seen them. I spent the next hour, dismantling the rear wheel, not an easy task, but I had brought a special long-handled 14/15mm wrench for axle and pedal removal, booted the gash with sections of blown tube, and inserted a new tube. Unfortunately, as suspected, I couldn't inflate the tire much without the new tube bulging through the cut. 

Two vehicles had stopped to see if I was okay. I assured them and waved them on. After the "repair" I rolled the bike - at least it was rollable - back to an intersection where a route headed more directly to Saratoga Springs and the Amtrak Station where I had a return reservation later that day. With my thumb out, the second car immediately pulled over (a vehicle with a bike on the back - yay!) and Anita brought me to a bike shop in Saratoga Springs. Unfortunately, the mechanics didn't have a narrow enough tire, so Anita then drove me to the Amtrak Station, gave me her bag of leftover pretzels, and felt bad about leaving me there 2 hours before departure. Holy cow, what a kind woman! 

My adventure proved that it's worth allowing extra time and cyclists are generally wonderful people. I texted Anita when I got home so she knew I was safe. I had also invited her to come and ride with me in Vermont. I plan to pay this favor forward to others.

As for visiting the Saratoga Battlefield, I'm monitoring the fall weather. I now know a lovely B&B place to return to for a fresh redo of that day. 

Coffeeneuring 2024 - More Gouache Exploration, Rides 1-4

 #1 Latte at Specs Coffee in Winooski. It's difficult to take art photos with a phone camera...the paper is white.

Learning to Paint with Gouache

In my twelfth year of the Coffeeneuring Challenge, I've been inspired by Mary's current theme: latte art.  I was successful with last year's simple mug art because I could focus on one image. I want to learn painting but not be overwhelmed by 7 complicated pieces of art. I struggle with what my style should be. Whimsical, realistic, detailed, or how about using unusual colors? I have enjoyed gouache's bold, flat colors so whatever I come up with it's sure to be colorful!

Since my theme requires latte art, I also see this year's challenge as a return to coffee shops. It's been since 2014! For many years, plus during the pandemic, I embraced the Coffee Shop Without Walls opportunities for it's flexibility, where I drank more tea because it was easier and I often went out after work where drinking caffeine was not feasible, nor were coffee shops generally open. Weekend outings are required, though I see this year as an opportunity to try other beverages. What's a cortado? Will I like matcha? One thing I know: a yummy pumpkin beverage is on the agenda. 

1. The Place: Specs Coffee in Winooski

Date: Saturday, October 12

Drink: Latte
Observation: What a beautiful fall day! It was sunny and 55F. 
Total Miles: 16

Wouldn't it be great to request your own latte art? Since I didn't receive any, I painted my own. I also like the addition of a simple, colorful background

I tried out a double-thick poncho I'd created last year. It worked well - my rendition of Vermont chic.

That's my Peugeot on the right.

Wow, a chewy, airy donut!

2 . The Place: Scout Coffee on North Ave. Burlington

Date: Saturday, October 12

Drink: Chai Tea Latte
Observation: Another sunny day, chai apparently isn't served with latte art, but I created what I wanted to see!
Total Miles: 11

Meh, day-old almond croissant.

I like the misshapen mug rim.

The autumn colors were still brilliant, even evident across Lake Champlain in New York.

3 . The Place: Barrio Bakery in Burlington

Date: Saturday, October 26

Drink: Cappuccino
Observation: Uber quiet shop. Weird vibe, so definitely wouldn't return. Tasty cappuccino. I bought a small bag of day old pastries.
Total Miles: 16

I need to go back to a simpler, one-color background. Painting is always a work in progress.

This was a tasty, grainy pumpkin latte.

Kru Coffee is one of my favorite coffee shops because of varied clientele, and old building location, with the most interesting art and lighting.

Coffee cup lights!

I stopped by to visit #2 son, who showed me his recent single-speed bike build. I thought 5 bikes in my own stable was sufficient, but I've lost count of how many he has.

4 . The Place: Kru Coffee in Burlington

Date: Saturday, October 27

Drink: Pumpkin Spice Latte
Observation: Kru is known for great pastries. Unfortunately, when I show up at noon they are sold out! A swirl of color in the cup instead of art. 
Total Miles: 12