Errandonnee - Day 1

View from Battery Park

Errandonnee! Here I go again, giving the errand chase another whack this winter. And March this time around is unusually snowbound. Unfortunately I got a late afternoon start for my first errand ride, too late to complete two stops at city offices (they close early), so I'll get to those items another day.

En route to city hall I swung down my favorite alley, squealing my brakes at the bottom in hopes of alerting and hopefully avoiding a collision with pedestrians possibly exiting the parking garage at the exact same moment. I really like these urban routes. I feel like a super hero, flying by tall buildings with a single bound.

I'm was glad to finally have my camera in tow this time to capture the Airborne Jellyfish Project by Abby Mannock. I'm not sure what the monstrous marine animals are made out of, but they're glorious, catching the breeze with tentacles swirling like grass skirts.

I especially adore the big bulbous eyes. The exhibit was listed as remaining through the end of February, so I feel lucky that it still graces City Hall Park. I like the splash of color in an otherwise dismal landscape.

I donated a book at the library before heading home.

Errandonnee Scorecard
March 10
Category: Library, to deliver a book
Observation: I'm glad I photographed the Airborne Jellyfish Project.
Miles: 3

Slideshow Rescheduled

With the impending Vulcan Storm, our area is expecting 1-2' of snow today through Thursday. The GAPCO slideshow will be rescheduled. But not to worry, I've been promised it will be shown later in March.

Snowflakes are starting to fall so keep your shovels handy.

Clever (and not so clever) Bicycle Ideas

Use zip-ties to convert tires for winter use. Photo credit: Todd Boulanger on Trendhunter.com

While working on an assignment for class, I stumbled across this innovative collection of bicycle ideas. There are 80 bicycle accessories highlighted. I especially like #2, poor man's studded tire. You've got to admit it's a clever and inexpensive solution...for bicycles without rim brakes.

EVO, manly bike basket. Sold on Amazon

This one also caught my eye: #31, a bomb-proof rack integrated into the handlebars. It takes away the guesswork - what size basket, how strong is it, will it hit my fenders or tire, what front rack works on my bike? Since I've succumbed to these very questions, it's a simple solution for grocery hauling commuters or any rider looking to replace drop bars for upright comfort while also getting instant hauling capacity. A brilliant upgrade for a sloping top tube bike or that old mountain bike you don't know what to do with.

A Slideshow Presentation

Cycling the Great Allegheny Passage and C&O Canal

When: March 12, 7:00 pm

Where: ArtsRiot, 400 Pine St. Burlington

    From Pittsburgh to Washington, D.C. is an incredible 335 miles of rail trail and canal towpath. Ideal for cycling, it's an opportunity for a versatile adventure – one can ride the trail in segments or traverse its entire length in one experience. Join an organized group, stay in B&Bs, hotels, or hostels, or do-it-yourself like Annie,Andy, and Patty did in September 2013, combining camping and indoor accommodation.

    Join Annie and Andy as they recount their eight day journey on the longest traffic-free cycling route in the U.S. Find out what makes The Great Allegheny Passage and C&O Canal unique adventures, from their distinctive trail surfaces, tunnels, viaducts, and bridges, to incredible history, free campgrounds, trail towns with amenities, and wildlife. Learn why both routes are attracting a growing number of travelers.

March Madness in Vermont

Bike path on the right is what I will use when I start commuting to work,
possibly by the end of March?

March Madness is... bitter cold, cold such that I wear long underwear when I walk outdoors and don't bother removing them when I go back inside.

March Madness is crusty snow, conditions too poor to ski on and enough white stuff to render bike riding a frigid, difficult endeavor—for me anyway.

March Madness is hours deep into two computer courses, which means less time for blog posts and world tour writing.

Empty bike racks along waterfront path.

But...I've started an interesting bike-related Tumblr blog, if only for class.

There's been lots and lots of blessed sunshine. Daylight grows by one hour very soon. Hallelujah.

People are enjoying frozen Lake Champlain.

Robins and cedar waxwings are congregating in trees, gobbling frozen cherries, filling the air with song.

It was below zero last night though by Friday it should be in the mid-30s.

And, there's an upcoming Errandonnee Challenge, just in time for this bike starved soul.