The Specialized Hard Rock with the Best Bag Setup

The Specialized Hard Rock has become my alternative winter ride during Vermont's periodic dry spells. While the Peugeot step-through, bedecked with studded tires, always takes precedence on snowy surfaces, I've learned to keep a backup bike handy. The Hard Rock's wider tires strike the right balance for safety; handlebars easily support my lights; and two racks allow ample carrying capacity.

The best use for this bag.

Recently, I moved a favorite, versatile bag behind the seat, using it like a quasi-seat pack. Straps are secured to rails with buckles looping around the rack. Any weight is fully supported on the rack. It has been perfect: extra cargo space for a few tools, my purse, a lock, and room for other things. If I plan to pick up a few groceries, I bring an additional bag, attached to the front rack. In the past, all my bikes had panniers - the more space, the merrier! - but for once, just enough space seems like a better arrangement. It's also been much easier to clean the drive train.

I've thoroughly enjoyed riding the Hard Rock this winter.

The more I ride the Hard Rock, the more this bike makes me smile.  

I'm Considering Buying Another Dahon

Dahon Archer.

I continue to love my Dahon Boardwalk, but I wanted to experiment with a different model, seeking another riding experience. Astute readers know I picked up an Eco 3 not too long ago, but I rehomed it because it wasn't vastly different from the Boardwalk. Most bike lovers continually search for something else - it must be wired into our brains - and while I've searched online locally for years, I broadened to our son's Colorado community (I'm visiting in May), scoring on a couple fronts.

I liked the double chainring Dahon Archer, not sold in the US. The owner brought it back from Asia a few years ago. At a steal of a price, I hoped our son could investigate, but the bike sold fast. 

Dahons are good value  - ultimately I'd like a Bike Friday at some point, but I'm not ready for a big investment. I hope to find a used Dahon with features like a broader gear range, and the ability to swap handlebars, possibly in a lighter-weight package. Our bike mechanic son could likely update anything I find.

Dahon Briza

Then I came across a Dahon Briza. I like the 24" wheels and curved frame. This bike strikes a balance between a small wheeled folder and a full-sized bike yet weighs 32lbs. - about the same as my steel Dahon! Folded dimensions are 34"x17"x32", a bit larger of course due to 24" wheels, but should still fall under Amtrak's radar, guaranteeing hassle-free boarding. Disguised in a bag, the folded bike shouldn't be larger than any of the roller suitcases travelers tote on board. While the Briza is available to purchase new, I'll continue looking for a used model.

The fold-and-go, fold-and-stow lifestyle appeals to me as a solitary traveler. Whether pedaling directly to/from an Amtrak station or storing the bicycle inside accommodations, it all adds up to freedom and security. Freedom to hop on a train with a bike without reserving a bicycle slot (folding bikes are treated like luggage); freedom to leave the car at home; freedom to visit a new area - this is the kind of mindset fueling my small wheel adventures.

2024 Rewind

2024 started off well, plunged into winter conditions, easily adapting to riding safely on snowy bike paths. I set my yearly intentions to have something to look forward to - it's the way I roll.

I broke my ribs in late January. Fortunately, it was only a hiccup in my cycling life. I fully recovered in 6 weeks and attended the Philly Bike Expo. The bonus was meeting and riding with online friends! 

I put together these bags for our son the bike mechanic. No two are alike.

On the creative front, I explored gouache painting for the second year for the Coffeenuring Challenge, tried a new stem bag pattern, and later sewed 4 more.

In June, I visited our son in Fort Collins, Colorado, and came home in awe of their cycling infrastructure and surrounding beauty.

Pine Creek Rail Trail in Pennsylvania.

My husband and I purposely sought new local trails in 2024, experiencing the D&H Rail Trail, Adirondack Rail Trail, two trails in New Hampshire, and a weeklong adventure in Pennsylvania. 

I went on solitary Amtrak adventures: riding one-way from Hudson, NY to Saratoga Springs during peak foliage (part one) and finishing a few weeks later, and from Castleton, VT homeward.

It's interesting to see the Monday-Friday progression.

Yearly accounting: I sorted the rack situation between the Rachel and the Hard Rock so both are touring-ready. I made it, finally, to the Philly Bike Expo after several years of trying (the pandemic didn't help). Due to two years of flooding, what's still elusive is riding across Vermont and back. 

I went out of 2024 with a bang, finishing the year with 3532 miles!

The Importance of Recording Annual Miles

December conditions in Vermont: snow covered bike path or clear after a big melt.

 
I keep track of annual bike mileage, generally, penning basic numbers into a date book, then transcribing them monthly into a self-made spreadsheet. It's not logged with accuracy though because I don't use a GPS specific computer  - Google Maps, and on occasion when I ride a unique route, Strava fills in the gaps, rounded to the nearest whole number. Most of my rides are repetitive and easy to count, so computerized tracking is rare and not the norm.

I have found consistent motivation to ride frequently upon computer shutdown at my home office - Work and home life balance has been important since 2020. Nothing like fresh air to crank out miles! I don't put much stock in the annual number, yet, if early December's total is close to a significant milestone, then I try for the end game. The result is wholly dependent on weather, bike path conditions - remember, I often ride in darkness - bumpy, packed snow is difficult and exhausting on studded tires, yet satisfying because cold is no longer a deterrent - I stay warm in 10-15F. Clear paths mean a faster 10-15 miles in 1.5 hours. With late December's big melt, I was able to surpass 3500 miles, treating myself to a well deserved restaurant lunch!

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.