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. 

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.