Coffeeneuring Challenge: Ride 7

Our final coffeeneuring ride of 2013 took us to Caribou Coffee, which is located inside Mount Royal Fine Foods, a short 4 mile ride from our front doorstep (for the mathematically challenged, that makes for an 8 mile round trip).


This was the only one of the shops we've visited during the challenge to have a (well placed) bike rack for their customers.


We took advantage of Caribou being inside of a grocery store and picked up a few items, along with a new winter mascot. We each had a dark chocolate Ho Ho Mint Mocha with soy and also brought home a pound of Reindeer Blend to help kick start our holiday spirit.


The coffee was so good we decided to finish drinking it at home so we could savor every last drop.

Big thanks to MG for the challenge. Can't wait to do it again next year.

Coffeeneuring Challenge: Ride 6

For our penultimate coffeeneuring outing we rode our Mukluks to nearby Hartley Nature Center for our second coffee shop without walls. Although the park has 9 miles of single track to ride, we decided to take the direct route to our destination. It was supposed to rain the rest of the weekend, so we wanted to get home before it started. We'll save the rainy ride for Sunday.


Our five mile round trip included some nice dirt roads.......


and a bit of single track.


Selfie at the pond.


We drank hot apple cider by the waters edge.


Hot apple cider over ice. Who'da thunk it?

Coffeeneuring Challenge: Rides 4 & 5

Saturday's coffeeneuring outing took us to Casa Latte, which is located at the intersection of State Highways 53 & 194. While its not located at the most picturesque of locations, their excellent coffee more than made up for this small shortcoming.
The approach.


Although it was cozy and warm inside, we had our coffee to go. We didn't want to overheat.


Trish had a Soy Cinnamon Mocha, while I had a Soy Turtle Mocha. We shared* a Birthday Cake Scone.


Since Trish was given a large instead of the medium she ordered, I made the ultimate sacrifice and finished it for her.


Coffee brings out the sun, which we were very grateful for on our chilly 18 mile trip.



Sunday's ride took us down the hill into Duluth to At Sara's Table/Chester Creek Cafe.


One nice thing about bikes is that they have no windows to scrape.


The shop is located about halfway down the hill in the Chester Park neighborhood, close to the UMD campus. It was a 10.6 mile round trip.


We each had Chai Lattes and shared* a Vegan Chocolate Cupcake.
The drinks were good. The cupcake was even better.
Cheers!

*When I say shared, I mean that I let her have a little bite while I inhaled the remainder.

Tamarack Tour

Sunday's forecast was calling for the warmest weather we've had in a couple of weeks, so I just had to get out for what would probably be my last 50 miler of the year.
I left the house at 7:30. I wasn't bright enough to wait until later in the morning to leave, which meant I didn't really get to enjoy the warmer weather. That was OK. Comfort's overrated anyway.


Too cute to not take a picture.




After 24 miles of pavement it was time to hit the dirt. One good thing about riding dirt roads is that it gives you an opportunity to check your tire pressure.


Just the middle third of the tire is dirty. Pressure looks good!


Dirt roads tend to have better scenery too.








This was the best looking tree I saw all day. It was neat the way the smaller spruce was growing right next to it.




Here are two hard working pieces of heavy equipment.




He and I had a little staredown going on. I was very glad there was a fence between us.


Click on it. You know you want to.

Testing

We're going to be without a computer for a couple weeks coming up so I thought I'd attempt posting from my phone.

I don't think the photo quality will suffer, as my camera has wi-fi, so I won't be stuck using the phone's camera. The only issue I see is having to type on the tiny keyboard. Good thing I don't usually say much. The finger cramps shouldn't be too bad.

As an added bonus, if it works well I may even post more frequently.

















Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Searching For Snow

Let's see......I have the day off.......it's 30 degrees and windy.......what should I do?
I've got it! How about a bike ride!

The forecast was calling for scattered flurries, so I thought I would go out and look for some of that elusive October snow.


Hey! There's a little bit falling.


Tastes pretty good.
Good thing it doesn't snow in the summer. I'd probably end up with a gullet full of bugs. If I had a gullet, that is.


A bit more falling here, but not enough to stick.


Better sneak in a bike picture before it starts up again.


I'm going to avoid boots for as long as I can this year. I'll just keep piling on the wool socks.


I brought some hot tea along to help warm me up. I didn't really need it. I tend to build up an excess of heat all on my own.


I think the Ogre has had enough picture taking for one day.


I find it very hard to get a good picture of both a bike and a tall tree.


It's probably best to just keep the bike out of it.


I stopped at my favorite rest stop on the way back. The wind was picking up some extra chill coming across the lake so I didn't stay long.

I ended up with 23 miles and most of the feeling remaining in my toes. I think I'm acclimating pretty well.

Coffeeneuring Challenge: Ride 3

Just the facts for today's coffeeneuring report. Along with pictures of course.

Destination: Coffee shop without walls, Rice Lake town park. Thankfully, there was a roof.
Coffee: French Roast with hazelnut soy creamer.
Preparation: Jet Boil and GSI Javapress mugs.
Total Mileage: 3.7
Weather Conditions: 34F. We were really hoping for snow, but just got cold drizzle.