Sunday, March 25, 2018

Errandonnee 2018 - Fits and Starts

Errandonnee-mobile: a Trek Antelope 830.
Cycling eases me over life's bumps. With inevitable care of an aging parent, I've been rather distracted lately, but for some normalcy in my own life, which means riding and walking, I'm trying to complete as many errands as possible. I've done many errands on foot but for purposes of accounting, I'm sticking to bike-related trips. Let's Go, Errandonnee!

Errands 1-6, 28 Total Miles 

March 20 (photo above)
Category: Peaceful Everyday Actions, donation to Goodwill
Observation: I don't know why it took me so long to drop off a bag of clothes. I'm inspired to keep on cleaning out my closets.

March 20 (photo above)
Category: Arts & Entertainment, Picking up puzzles for my mom at Goodwill
Observation: I found what I was looking for, with an added bonus of running into an old coworker and catching up.


An authentic Dutch seat cover.
March 21 
Category: Work or Volunteering, bike commuting to work
Observation: It was fun to try out my new, silly, seat cover that a friend gave to me. 


My mom at home.
March 21
Category: Non-store Errand, visiting my mom in ER (she's fine!)
Observation: I left work for the 4.5 mile dash to the hospital. For obvious reasons, I don't have a picture for this visit.


Hannafords
March 25
Category: Store, buying bleach
Observation: One gallon was too heavy so I opted for a half gallon.


The Bagel Cafe. A snow hump prevents many users locking bikes to the rack.
There's a dozen bagels in the paper bag.
March 25
Category: Store, getting bagels for the family
Observation: I left home early and saw the sun rise! That hasn't happened in a long time.

Sunday, March 18, 2018

Ideas for 2018 and beyond


On the agenda for 2018 are some new goals, revisiting one from 2017, and thoughts in general about travel.

Bike NYC
In May, I have plans that involve the Dahon folder, a train ride, and time with our eldest son visiting New York City highlights. Travel is lined up and accommodations are secured so whatever the weather, the trip will happen in some shape or form. It was a delightful surprise that our son wanted to join me so I know this adventure will be extra special!

Experiences are Key
For many years now, I thrive on the journey versus counting miles and/or setting unreasonable goals. I am waylaid by flowers growing in fields, wineries, coffee shops, garage sales, hikes/walks, unique bicycle shops, Vermont microbreweries, spending time beside water sources, anything in Canada, and/or with friends. I still love to camp and prefer that mode when alone but because I have the means I am open to staying indoors when companions require more comfort. With limited vacation days per year I like the guarantee of either indoor shelter (especially if I must ride all day in the rain) and/or remaining flexible with plans/goals. It's all about maximizing vacations and weekends!


A Week with my Husband
Speaking of experiences, my husband and I are setting aside a week's vacation for a bike ride, which will likely be in September due to allowing his broken wrist to properly heal and gain strength, but we are hopeful to spend a week riding somewhere. Current ideas are the remote region of northeastern Vermont/Canada and revisiting the GAP. He has a different mindset regarding miles so I may have to bring wine for evening wine-downs!

Bike and Hike
Bike overnights are a must in 2018 and I'm also craving another bike-hike adventure much like the past Lake Elmore trip. It's a great way to stretch the legs and enjoy solitude.

Finish Riding Colchester's Roads
I want to finish riding all of Colchester's public roads. I will start earlier this year and to keep interest I may include short hikes, visits to farm stands, or heck, maybe Colchester has their own microbrewery!

The above ideas will keep me busy for 2018. Future travel ideas could be classes at bike mechanic's school - there's one in Oregon and Colorado - which would allow exploration while learning. I like the idea of combining themes with cycling. And for the first time ever, I don't have any major bicycle renovations planned beyond routine maintenance - at least that I can foresee!

Wednesday, March 7, 2018

Sunset Ride!

As an addendum to my previous post, I pedaled the long way home for more pristine, pre-storm lake views.

Totally worth it! I racked up 16 miles for the day and remembered to vote on my way home.

Tuesday, March 6, 2018

The Calm (ride) Before Another Storm

Early morning pedaling along Lake Champlain
I have been riding more often since February, which has taken the edge off the long period in December to January where I endured 6 weeks without two wheels. We still have periodic snowfall, but there are longer dry spells that clear up treacherous surfaces - perfect for riding in colder temperatures. There's another storm headed our way so I set off early this morning for an hour-long loop before arriving at my workplace - probably the only snow-free day this week - so I'm tempted to repeat a similar route on the way home.

Thursday, March 1, 2018

Nor'easter is Coming


I took the long way home, rolling along the waterfront and was confronted by the approaching nor'easter storm. If you enjoy weather events, it doesn't get much better than this, especially with floating plates of ice along the shoreline. We aren't expecting severe snow or rain, but I'll ride the bus tomorrow to be on the safe side.