Burlington Parks Challenge

Potvin Park

On the heels of completing Burlington's Little Free Libraries quest, I vowed to visit all 31 designated Burlington city parks. Nothing like a prepared list to follow! The adventure sparked interest in our family: my son and his girlfriend are nearing completion. My husband also wanted to join so we began our own quest together, took a breather in June-July while we moved, and finished in late August.

Our first day, I took the opportunity to also test recently installed albatross handle bars on my Clementine (keepers!). We visited 10 parks. Highlights included tiny Potvin Park with it's local art and colorful Adirondack chair, Quarry Natural Area with very vocal frogs, and Crescent Woods, a ravine type park - never knew this park existed!

Crescent Woods

Quarry Natural Area.

Quarry Natural Area frogs.

For a while, because I had the inclination to keep moving, I visited a few parks on my own. Thankfully, my husband found renewed interest in early August, as we rode together, revisiting places I had soloed. I was delighted to be pedaling together again, carrying on meaningful conversation that only cycling or outdoor exercise lends itself to.

Recently renovated Roundhouse Park.

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Ledge Road Overlook, an odd underused space tucked between neighborhoods. I can't locate any historical info online.

Our last day was comprised of strategic planning to finish visiting the last 7 of 31 total city parks. From lake shore to hillside visits, to river bottom land, I was pretty tired later when we arrived home at dusk. Of special note, Ledge Road Overlook Park appeared to be an old homestead with remaining standing fireplace. A tucked away plot - maybe donated to the city once upon a time - but I cannot locate any information online. 

Now that this challenge is behind me, my husband asked me what my next goal is. Would I now ride to all Cochester's parks? Truth is, it seems I'm content with this limbo we've found ourselves in for the foreseeable future. Stasis in any other time could be a recipe for unhappiness -  I used to scheme vacations a year ahead. Now it feels okay to live in the present: I'm looking forward to a upcoming in-state adventure with my husband, to creating another bicycle bag, to refurbishing some furniture for our new home, all the while slowly looking for a new work position. And, before we know it, coffeeneuring will be upon us, so there's that outdoor adventure to look forward to.

It never ends...

And why oh why am I searching Craigslist, drawn to find a pink/purple Specialized Hardrock Ultra or a GT frame of the same era? I've certainly gravitated to step through bicycles, but on some level I miss the utility and lightness of my Trek Antelope, or is it because I want another bike to fix up to keep my unemployed self busier?

That Zippy Peugeot UO 14 May Come in Handy!

The Peugeot' UO 14 setup is now spot-on for commuting on flat terrain.

For most of the summer and now into autumn, I've traded commuter duty between the Dahon Boardwalk and the recently upgraded Peugeot UO 14 while I've slowly been sorting out drive-train issues with my Peugeot St. Laurent step-through. I've lamented whether owning five bicycles is really worth it - and I still agree with the reasoning behind it - but sometimes holding onto a unique bike in your stable, quite unexpectedly, has a specific purpose.

Life goes on - sometimes in unanticipated ways.

Now that the Peugeot UO 14's cockpit is dialed to perfection with taller Nitto Technomic stem, Public Brunch handle bars, cushy seat, and pink Kraton grips, plus somehow I had the foresight years ago to put on Panaracer Pasela's Tour Guard tires (flat protected rubber) this lightweight skinny-tired bike is a blast to ride! It cuts 10 minutes off a 7-8 mile commute (from our camp on the lake) compared with any other bike I own. And now that I'm suddenly looking at a 9.5 mile one-way, virtually flat, ride come spring, you can bet I won't get rid of the spirited Peugeot!

Peugeot UO 14 - A More Practical Setup

I've barely ridden my Peugeot UO 14 in five years, mostly due to an impractical setup. Using only a front basket (pictured below) meant I couldn't swap my work pannier between bikes, should I discover some morning that I had a flat tire. And as functional as the basket is, it's also too large - I had trouble tightening the bolts to keep it from rubbing on the tire.

The old setup.

My husband has a beautiful old English steel rack that hasn't been used in a long time - dare I say the 1980s - when it graced his old Peugeot! It's a perfect, simple solution to add functionality back into my Peugeot. I polished minor rust with steel wool to bring out the shine once again, detached the Mafac brakes to allow the non-adjustable bracket (see above) to connect with the brake bolt. In the end, I also readjusted the brakes.

I test rode the bike in the neighborhood and realized I needed to slide handlebars towards me plus tilt the seat so I sit more upright - apparently my tastes have changed over the years - and this 20" frame feels much better. I've been commuting for several days now on this bike - at least until I fix my regular commuter bike - and enjoy the zippy ride to work, especially on comfortable Panaracer Pasela tires. Stock gearing, however, on this old 12-speed isn't optimal for my aging legs so I ride mostly in the smaller chainring. Still, it's nice to have a fast, alternative bicycle should I need it.

2018 Rewind

The Minuteman Bikeway, barely snow-free in January.

2018 was a year of discovering new trails and spending time with family - sometimes both aligned to create magical moments.

It all started in January...
After a long hiatus off the bike, a winter thaw coincided with a company party in Boston, which opened up a wonderful opportunity to revisit the Minuteman Trail.

The winter bike.

February was bittersweet, losing my gracious, endearing mother-in-law, yet I witnessed how her children came together to honor her long life. I also began commuting to work again, discovering that linking dry neighborhood streets and back roads in lieu of snowy/icy bike paths opened up possibilities.

March and April dumped the most winter snow, yet I persevered through a rash of unexpected flat tires, completed the Errandonnee, spruced up a rusty Peugeot frame, and thought about what I'd hoped to accomplish in 2018.

Sinking my toes into Coney Island sand.

May, by far, satisfied my wanderlust, plus opened up new experiences by traveling with our eldest son on Amtrak to New York City. We spent 5 whole glorious days riding, exploring, eating, and realized we were great traveling companions!

My husband on the Nashua River Rail Trail.

In June I sold a beloved, but little used Miyata 610 touring bike, then looked ahead at how the Dahon could fit my current lifestyle. Attending a wedding also provided an opportunity to explore two new-to-us New Hampshire rail trails.

Ferries on Lake Champlain open up riding loops between Vermont and New York.

July, August, and September - July and August particularly - were the hottest months ever recorded in Burlington so I spent lots of time in the water, and joined an open water swim club - albeit too late to improve much - but it's a sport I aim to continue in 2019. However, I also spent time with my husband in Canada along with my annual pilgrimage with Adele exploring Canadian back roads. I also shared a beloved 3-ferry loop ride, twice, yet with two different friends completing the loop in opposite directions to keep the route fresh.

Revisiting the Lachine Canal.

October and November were filled with Coffeeneuring rides and I discovered the antidote to keeping the challenge fresh this year: using a thermos for impromptu rides and quiet, contemplative resting spots. It was also a refreshing change to coincidentally open the challenge along Montreal's Lachine Canal. My family and I also tried out our first e-bike: a Rad Mini.

A crisp, clear winter afternoon on the Colchester Causeway.

Winter weather came early this year, but switching to the winter bike means I continue to commute when I'm confident with road conditions. In addition, I'm learning to push my limits, with occasional pleasure rides that are surprisingly punctuated with sublime, spectacular views.

Conclusion
I failed to complete even one official bike overnight in 2018 (outside of simple but fulfilling forays at our nearby camp) and have given up on the challenge of riding all of Colchester's public roads. Spending meaningful time with my mom has filled the gaps on weekends, and I stayed close to home, rounding out any "free time" with our children and my husband. I immensely enjoyed and lived vicariously through Rootchopper's frequent blog posts as he crossed the country by bicycle. As I age, I'm increasingly thankful for the role that bicycles play in my life, whether for solace, commuting, or exploring - bikes take me where I need to go.

Riding Four Different Bikes in One Day

This is a first: riding four different bicycles in one day, all for transportation! It was purely unintentional - I was transferring both the borrowed Boda Boda and my Clementine from our family's camp the 6 miles back home, and unwilling to try both long frames on our vehicle's bike rack, over the course of the day I ended up riding 4 bikes.

It went something like this: rode Boda Boda home, returned on Peugeot (my husband riding with me), retraced route on Clementine, then a while later, I rode my commuter Ross, sporting lights, loaded with a few belongings - enough to stay overnight - stopping for a few groceries en route, arriving in darkness back at camp. As I rode the last leg, it occurred to me that all four bicycles had platform pedals.

Have you ever ridden several different bicycles in one day?

2014 Rewind

Step-through frame is my cats meow. What is your ideal bike?

I began 2014 evaluating what I require from The Ideal Bicycle, one that suits my particular style of riding. In the fall, I finally accept the Ross Mount Saint Helens on her own terms and treat the bicycle to decent tires.

I share my annual Blog Love list - those chroniclers of bike lore I like to celebrate every year. As some authors fall to the wayside, there are new, enthusiastic writers and photographers who enter the blogosphere.

In March I don woolies and warmers, to start the Errandonnee challenge. Also, I start a Tumblr blog for a marketing class: Upcycled Bike Bags. You might say, the subject's right up my alley.

My husband and I present our 2013 GAPCO slideshow to the community.

With an intensely cold winter, bike commuting to work starts in April, one month later than usual. Weekend rides are shining examples that Lake Champlain and its tributaries are slow to thaw.

I am proud of our children's acceptance of biking to friend's houses.

I've decided to not place my passion for pedaling upon our children, insisting instead that our boys ride for transportation. It is having a positive effect.

One satisfactory turnout in the women's ride series: a ride on the causeway.

In the summer I went on a mission to get more women on bikes by offering socially inspired rides. I didn't anticipate such a low turn out. Further thoughts resulted in How to Create More Bike Commuters. In 2015 I plan to research, revise, and offer a more diverse ride series.

My husband circles past me onto the Golden Gate Bridge.

We go on very few family rides these days—we have teenagers—so this ride was extra special and had surprising magic en route. Also, riding over the Golden Gate Bridge as a foursome kicked off our western vacation in high style.

A revitalized Peugeot UO 14.

A year for lots of wrenching.
I finished updating the Peugeot UO 14. It's now a zippy errand bike.

Turns out, this Peugeot was constructed just over the border from us in Canada.

I put together a commuter bike for our 15-year-old son. Side benefit: another 1980's bike is re-introduced to the mainstream. The Peugeot St. Laurent Express's two-tone color scheme sets this bike apart from the masses.

Franklin county farmland in early morning light.

Bike overnights rock!
2014 was another banner year: I completed 3 bike overnights. I asked for a birthday overnight and my family scrambled and helped it become reality. Have you ever seen the sun rise with pristine lake views from a peninsula campsite? Hazen's Notch/Lake Carmi's ride satisfied my appetite for fall colors while Tour de Ticonderoga makes me question why I often do solo adventures. With an adaptable and fun-loving companion, bike overnights can be an interesting and often hilarious experience.

During a relatively warm and dry October and November, I completed the Coffeeneuring Challenge, plus I explored the Intervale well into chilly December.

Again, I fell short of my 3000 mile annual goal, but it bothers me less and less—this being the second year in a row. Healing from a recent leg injury, I've come to realize my happiness stems more from individual accomplishments rather than miles traveled. In that regard, 2014 was a spectacular ride!

Peugeot UO 14 - Adjustable Handlebars

Inspired with the Peugeot St. Laurent's new 5" riser handlebars and their versatility,  I put similar bars on my brother's old Peugeot. I rode for several miles, testing height and set back just to be sure of position before re-installing the Wald basket.

The new bars made a world of difference in terms of width (for leverage on hilly terrain), ability to raise a short stem (common in 1980s bicycles), and dial in a proper height and reach. Reach has been an ongoing problem for me on most of my bicycles - I'm taller than the average woman, riding bikes made for the masses - and I've learned to solve fit issues with versatile handlebars and seat position.

Walmart has stopped offering the Zefal seat for sale.
If only I'd bought two, but who knew?

And, as much as I love the leopard print saddle cover, the seat has got to go. Positioning on the Peugeot is fairly upright, resembling the Ross. I'd like to find the same Zefal seat - or something similar, wider than my other saddles - as it would round out the Peugeot quite nicely.

I still can't fathom how much I'll ride this bicycle. It's strictly a fair weather machine and one I invested little expense and effort in to bring it up-to-date. It does not duplicate what our other bikes can handle in terms of racks and touring potential. That's the beauty of a simple set up. Without toe-clips but with the ability to carry goods up front, on zippy tires, perhaps the Peugeot will fill a niche as an easy going, approachable ride. For visitors. For quick trips to the store, or as an alternative, old school beauty.

Again, squealing brakes necessitated replacement, this time with Grey Matter rubber. However, I can't get rid of my collection of Peugeot metal shoes (Mafac and Shimano). My husband says I'll never go back to metal - they're a hassle to resole and cost a lot more. He's probably right. Yet, I can't get rid of them either. Perhaps they'll make great Christmas ornaments? 

2013 Rewind

As 2013 draws to a close I reflect on how lucky I am to be wife and mother, friends with two awesome local ladies—whom I wish were cyclists—and one faraway friend that in spite of 3000 miles between us we share a bond that remains forever close. She is a cyclist. I am daughter to wonderful supportive parents who've contributed countless hours watching our boys so I have the opportunity to strike out on my own or go on long distance rides with my husband. I am surrounded by love.

Cycling in 2013 was a year of firsts.
It was unplanned, but I rode every month of the year, starting with a ride in January during a typical Vermont thaw.

Chasing Mailboxes' Errandonnee Challenge took me out my comfort zone. Like a bear coming out of hibernation, I pedaled to complete errands on sunshine-filled, cold February days.

This is the first year I complete a record three bike overnights. Yay!
Elmore State Park, A Simple Family Overnight, and 3 Ferry Bike Overnight.

A new bike enters the stable: Peugeot UO 14.

A first: Local Motion presents Womens Ride Series. I help women learn how to patch and change a tire. In September I lead a Garage Sale Ride.

We start GAPCO in downtown Pittsburgh at Point State Park.

I check another item off the bucket list: riding GAPCO, otherwise known as Great Allegheny Passage and C&O Canal.

It was the first time I failed to ride 3000 annual miles, which initially caused some trepidation. However, I had put too much emphasis on achieving a predetermined number of miles. Yes, it's nice to have a goal, but falling short is not failure. What matters is that I'm proud of my firsts in 2013.

Bundle Up and Go

Winooski River Bridge cameo.

Writing about my lack of inspiration got me off my duff. That, coupled with nasty weather that never materialized seemed like providence.

A views that inspires.

I took my mini tripod along and wore jeans—a rare piece of cycling clothing for me—but the snap decision to get outdoors meant I needed to go now, or else watching a movie was beginning to feel like a better option.

I noticed (look behind the handlebars) another monstrous house going up along Spear Street. 

Only two days later, I sprang aboard the Ross. I needed stability, extra baggage space for possible Christmas shopping, easier setup for lights. Plus, I love this bike. And contrary to what I might've said about eventually getting rid of her, well, I just can't until I explore more options to make her fit better.  A girl can change her mind...

Enjoying the Follett House holiday lights.

I was out past dark. It was a little creepy, what with tunnel vision, yet exhilarating too. White ice patches glowed along the shoreline—a sure sign the temperature was dropping. I discovered my headlight was inadequate in pure darkness, though I managed, safely slowing when I couldn't see a reasonable distance ahead. In spite of my caution however, I found myself atop icy puddles. It was fleeting and as long as I steered straight (holding my breath!) I was back on dry pavement in a heartbeat.

25F with footwarmers is doable on a bike. I just have to get myself out the door.

Uninspired

On my first visit to Rossetti Park Beach in Colchester, late October.

Grey skies, leafless trees, and for two weeks colder than normal weather, has caused me to lose interest in cycling. At least for the time being.

To be honest that's only part of the reason.

There's my annual mileage goal, which I'm normally proud of. I've fallen drastically short, without ample time to make up nearly 200 miles before the new year. So why bother trying? It's the first time since I began tracking daily counts, that I haven't reached magic number 3000. It had a nice ring to it. Had being the operative word.

I shouldn't be too hard on myself. I succeeded at bike overnights. I went on three wonderful jaunts—a record—plus the big one in September.

Truth be told, this has never been my favorite time of year. I love the holidays but dislike the lack of sunshine and daylight. I call it November funk, which often spills over into December. Low Vitamin D levels affect me more than I like to admit. More chocolate milk, perhaps?

So, without the impetus to ride, I've lost momentum. I still exercise—surely a mood lifter in itself—it's just taken on a different form: walking and lap swimming with yoga thrown in for variety. Winter transition came much quicker than I expected. I suppose that's what's really bothering me.

It's okay, kind of. On the bright side (term seems fitting, no?) I hope to squeeze in a couple more rides before the end of December. Who knows, maybe writing this post will spur some interest.

Are there times of the year when you don't feel like riding a bike?

A Shift to Stylish Cycling

Cycling was once strictly utilitarian for me. Getting from point A to B in comfort meant black garments, bike shoes or LL Bean boots for rainy days, plus rubberized yellow rainjacket. My bicycle had basic racks and fenders with black panniers. Boring, yes. But those were the times. Only a few of us actually road bikes for transportation—even less toured.

Enter recent acquisition of a step through style bike plus an old 12-speed. The shift from practical cycling garments to reflecting my personal style is still in transition, but unmistakably, something has changed. I think about wearing a skirt over tights, choosing a matching hand bag that can be tossed into a basket—often in flashy colors. The more leopard print the better. What shoes should I wear?

Style doesn't end with clothing either. It's all about the bike too. I coordinate handlebar tape, experiment with corks for bar end plugs, prefer longer lasting tires that honor the bike (gumwalls anyone?), racks or baskets that complement and provide ample storage. Beautiful bells. Comfy and good looking saddles. Repurpose bags into panniers and front mounted containers. The list goes on.

So what happened? Why the change? I think it partly due to recent bicycle culture. There are numerous organized bike rides. Tweed rides, night rides—you name it. Our local Great Turkey Chase and Halloween Ride come to mind. Each celebrates an occasion, representing a theme, often with recommended attire. In turn these events fuel bike happiness and confirm that it's acceptable to wear street clothes on the bike. Anything goes.

Without societal pressure, there is free reign to boldly go where no woman has gone before.* So profound, I know, and not necessarily a revelation, but there it is. Couple that with reality: I'm beyond school girl age. Who cares about social etiquette and conformity? As far as I'm concerned, it's license to follow my own wardrobe path.

And while I don't strictly adhere to lycra-less plumage, stretchy material has it's place on the bicycle. Think leggings, yoga pants. Jeans are usually out—too many seams—though I've been known to wear them on rare occasions. I straddle both legions. Enough form-fitting clothing to keep from getting caught in the chain and enough dual utility outerwear to easily walk into a store. All with style, of course.

Secondly, consider the resurrection and popularity of old bicycles—think 3- and 10-speeds. That's a culture that is quite literally, spinning its wheels. And—dare I say it—because helmets are not mandatory in most U.S. locales**, riding without special clothing or equipment has inadvertently encouraged everyday cycling. Roll a Raleigh 3-speed outdoors, hop on and ride 2 miles to the office. For many folks, it's faster than driving —not to mention locating and paying for parking.

Whatever your cycle style, I'll be touring with bold-printed socks in sandals and riding an old Peugeot around town. It's all good.

*Sorry trekkie fans. I couldn't resist. Or should that be Trek lovers?
**Please refrain from pro vs. against helmet use-related comments.

Handlebar Mania

Current bars on the Peugeot.

Whether it's reconfiguring an older bike to fit, or redoing a much-loved machine due to physical changes and/or limitations, replacing drop or straight bars with upright-style handlebars is all the rage. Handlebar fever has stricken Pondero, One Speed: Go!, and Family//Bike//Words. All have or are exploring alternative bars.

I've been bitten also. From current Ross handlebars to recent Peugeot tinkering, I've keyed on, primarily, different handlebar setups to, hopefully, solve fit problems.

Maybe something like these Pyramid
 riser bars could work.
Photo credit: Amazon

In fact, after riding the Peugeot for several days with current bar configuration, I'm unhappy with the result—I'm sitting more upright than I intended and the bars are too close to my body. I've discovered, however, that I love the mountain lever brakes and swanky grips. Those will stay and determine what future bars will grace the Peugeot.

I'm not in a hurry to make a change. It's nearly winter. I'll take my time, scout out local vendors, inspect bikes on the road, and explore options.

Or maybe an adjustable quill stem will do the trick. Hmm, never thought about that.

Just Because...

The sign must refer to maniac drivers.

Just because sunset comes early. Get out, go ride.

Just because a trail forks; take the one least traveled.

Leddy Park.

Just because pockets of brilliant color remain.

Quiet, lake views that soothe the soul.

Any moments I can spare. Doing errands. Whatever. I ride. Just because.