-The Building Museum is hosting a discussion on cyclist/pedestrian infrastructure. The discussion is open to the public.
More info:
Click here.
-BicycleSPACE will be showing the movie 'The Flying Scotsman' at their shop tonight.
More info: Click here.
Be sure to check these events out!
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Coffee Crawl Bike Ride Round-Up
A few days ago I heard rumors of a coffee-themed bike ride...I thought this would be an excellent idea for a pre-Mother's Day warm-up. Plus, it gave me the perfect excuse to try out all the coffee shops that I kept meaning to try....but never got around to. Plus I got to do it by bike! Weeee!
I'm not a huge coffee girl. I have my personal reasons for avoiding the stuff (if you know me, you know why), but I don't dislike it. I actually love a good cup of coffee now and then*. Unfortunately, the majority of my experience with coffee has been with chains--Dunkin', Starbucks, etc. One of my New Year's resolutions was supposed to be to support local, small businesses and avoid corporate chains. Coffee shops have definitely been on my list to start with.
Let me tell you, my eyes have been opened. Since my first Americano at Qualia, I don't think I can ever view coffee the same way again. OMG.
Anyway, I read the details on the Prince of Petworth blog and decided to give it a go.
I woke up Sunday morning and almost didn't go. Helloooooo Social Anxiety.....I always get weirdly nervous before showing up to a group event. I am not the most socially adept person out there, and I tend to come off as a bit stand-offish. I really don't mean to. Those of you that have tried to arrange a meet-up with me via twitter can probably attest to this ;-)
Anyway, I swallowed the anxiety down and went anyway. And I'm so glad I did!
First, I want to say that the ladies that organized this ride, Liz & Laura, were completely awesome! This was the very first Coffee Crawl bike ride they had ever organized and you would never be able to tell. I thought it went incredibly smoothly and that everyone had a good time.
We started off at Qualia Coffee & The Bike House where I snagged an Americano. Heaven in a cup. Although I've heard about The Bike House before, I never knew what it actually was. Now I know :-) If I didn't have to work on Saturdays, I would *totally* be at one of their bike clinics from 12pm-3pm (3917 Georgia Avenue NW in the REAR). Totally love what those guys do.
(Did I mention WABA was there representin'? Woot!)
We then rode to Filter (Iced Coffee) and chilled out there while we waited for a cyclist that suffered a flat to catch up.
(Another reason why this ride was awesome? When someone got a flat, a bunch of people stopped to make sure she was okay and good to go!)
Then we went to Yola. (I took a break from coffee here. My heart was racing).
After Yola, we set off to Big Bear--this a place I had always heard of, but never actually visited. I foresee more visits in my near future. It was here that I met a group of cyclists that had decided to do participate in this ride as a way to "tour DC". They were from VA and figured that cycling was the best way to see DC. I couldn't agree more! Again, I decided against partaking of any more caffeine. Actually, I didn't realize until we were about to leave that they also serve BEER! I probably would have grabbed one instead ;-/
From Big Bear we headed to Sova in the H St. NE Corridor. Another area of DC that I've always meant to check out, but never actually get to. I think this was my favorite shop so far. They have a super-sweet patio area in the back complete with stage. I hear they do some bluegrass there on Thursdays. Definitely need to check that out. I enjoyed a nice iced chai latte while enjoying the gorgeous weather on the patio.
Our final stop was to Pound on Capitol Hill. As I was thoroughly caffeinated out, I opted to stay outside at this shop. Since I used to work across the street, I was already fairly familiar with the area (although its changed a bit in the last 6 years!).
I had a really good time on this ride and look forward to future Coffee Crawls. Plus, I now have plenty of options for a really good cup of quality coffee!
Again, thank you Liz & Laura!
*Yes, I know I go to Dunkin' Donuts almost everyday. But I don't actually order coffee everyday! Sometimes I go just to sit & chill.
Here are some pics from the ride:
And here's a short video I took along the ride. I didn't edit anything, so its a bit rough:
I'm not a huge coffee girl. I have my personal reasons for avoiding the stuff (if you know me, you know why), but I don't dislike it. I actually love a good cup of coffee now and then*. Unfortunately, the majority of my experience with coffee has been with chains--Dunkin', Starbucks, etc. One of my New Year's resolutions was supposed to be to support local, small businesses and avoid corporate chains. Coffee shops have definitely been on my list to start with.
Let me tell you, my eyes have been opened. Since my first Americano at Qualia, I don't think I can ever view coffee the same way again. OMG.
Anyway, I read the details on the Prince of Petworth blog and decided to give it a go.
I woke up Sunday morning and almost didn't go. Helloooooo Social Anxiety.....I always get weirdly nervous before showing up to a group event. I am not the most socially adept person out there, and I tend to come off as a bit stand-offish. I really don't mean to. Those of you that have tried to arrange a meet-up with me via twitter can probably attest to this ;-)
Anyway, I swallowed the anxiety down and went anyway. And I'm so glad I did!
First, I want to say that the ladies that organized this ride, Liz & Laura, were completely awesome! This was the very first Coffee Crawl bike ride they had ever organized and you would never be able to tell. I thought it went incredibly smoothly and that everyone had a good time.
We started off at Qualia Coffee & The Bike House where I snagged an Americano. Heaven in a cup. Although I've heard about The Bike House before, I never knew what it actually was. Now I know :-) If I didn't have to work on Saturdays, I would *totally* be at one of their bike clinics from 12pm-3pm (3917 Georgia Avenue NW in the REAR). Totally love what those guys do.
(Did I mention WABA was there representin'? Woot!)
We then rode to Filter (Iced Coffee) and chilled out there while we waited for a cyclist that suffered a flat to catch up.
(Another reason why this ride was awesome? When someone got a flat, a bunch of people stopped to make sure she was okay and good to go!)
Then we went to Yola. (I took a break from coffee here. My heart was racing).
After Yola, we set off to Big Bear--this a place I had always heard of, but never actually visited. I foresee more visits in my near future. It was here that I met a group of cyclists that had decided to do participate in this ride as a way to "tour DC". They were from VA and figured that cycling was the best way to see DC. I couldn't agree more! Again, I decided against partaking of any more caffeine. Actually, I didn't realize until we were about to leave that they also serve BEER! I probably would have grabbed one instead ;-/
From Big Bear we headed to Sova in the H St. NE Corridor. Another area of DC that I've always meant to check out, but never actually get to. I think this was my favorite shop so far. They have a super-sweet patio area in the back complete with stage. I hear they do some bluegrass there on Thursdays. Definitely need to check that out. I enjoyed a nice iced chai latte while enjoying the gorgeous weather on the patio.
Our final stop was to Pound on Capitol Hill. As I was thoroughly caffeinated out, I opted to stay outside at this shop. Since I used to work across the street, I was already fairly familiar with the area (although its changed a bit in the last 6 years!).
I had a really good time on this ride and look forward to future Coffee Crawls. Plus, I now have plenty of options for a really good cup of quality coffee!
Again, thank you Liz & Laura!
*Yes, I know I go to Dunkin' Donuts almost everyday. But I don't actually order coffee everyday! Sometimes I go just to sit & chill.
Here are some pics from the ride:
 |
| Filter Coffee House 1726 20th St. NW |
 |
| Yola 1323 Connecticut Ave. NW (rear) |
 |
| Big Bear Cafe 1700 1st St. NW |
 |
| SOVA 1359 H St. NE |
 |
| Heavenly Americano from Qualia (with the Bike House in the back) 3917 Georgia Ave. NW |
And here's a short video I took along the ride. I didn't edit anything, so its a bit rough:
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
April Round-Up/Lazy Post
This is going to be a lazy photo-dump rather than a coherent post because I'm doing this out of guilt of Not Posting More Often rather than I Have An Idea to Share....
Sorry... ;-)
I do have actual ideas I would like to share (Bicycle Parking, anyone?) but I haven't had a chance to sit down and put them in any sort of coherent order.
April's 30 Days of Biking was a success, but only in that I pretty much bike everyday anyway ;-) May is Bike Month (or at least, I heard someone say that) and I am so looking forward to Bike DC! May 22nd! Register!
The weather has been fan-effing-tastic lately, and I want to soak up every single sunshine ray that I can before the oppressive heat starts setting in.
(I know that if I simply posted smaller posts more often I wouldn't feel so guilty and overwhelmed with trying to post Epic Posts to Catch Up, but I am the Procrastinator At Heart. Sorry).
Ride safely.
Sorry... ;-)
 |
| Saw this |
 |
| Betty met her soulmate! That's an Electra Rat Rod; basically the same model but for boys... |
 |
| We seemed to have skipped right over Spring and gone straight to the hot, humid days of Summer... |
 |
| I love the Carousel on the Mall. The seahorse/dragon is my favorite. |
 |
| I voted! Again! |
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| Finally tried it. I declare it.....Not Bad. |
 |
| The Boy's birthday was this weekend and he invited two of his childhood pals to visit. We were exploring the neighborhood and I suggested that CaBi was a better way to go than silly cabs! They bought it! |
 |
| Bonfires & Beer. |
 |
| After the news of Bin Laden's capture, I rode down to the White House to celebrate. It was amazing. Even the ride down was full of cheering and American flags & happy (and relieved) people. I wish I could have gotten better pictures, but I was pretty swept up in the emotion of things. I didn't realize how much of a weight I carried with me after 9/11 until I felt it being lifted with Bin Laden's execution. I have a lot of thoughts to share on this...but not here. |
 |
| Another amazing thing from that celebration? All of the people riding CaBi to get there! I saw a ton of CaBi bikes! |
April's 30 Days of Biking was a success, but only in that I pretty much bike everyday anyway ;-) May is Bike Month (or at least, I heard someone say that) and I am so looking forward to Bike DC! May 22nd! Register!
The weather has been fan-effing-tastic lately, and I want to soak up every single sunshine ray that I can before the oppressive heat starts setting in.
(I know that if I simply posted smaller posts more often I wouldn't feel so guilty and overwhelmed with trying to post Epic Posts to Catch Up, but I am the Procrastinator At Heart. Sorry).
Ride safely.
Friday, April 22, 2011
TGIF
Current status: Zombie. The last two days I've had some training to attend for work, and this required me to get up at 4:30 am. That used to be my bed-time. Not a morning person. At all. So I've felt a bit out of sorts & disconnected. Lots of napping.
Do this: According to TBD.com, a group of wounded soldiers will be doing a group ride around Haines Point right about...well, now probably. If you're in the area, stop by and cheer them on.
Have you registered for BikeDC yet? Do it.
Did you know BicycleSPACE does group rides every weekend? They have different rides for different skills. This weekend is supposed to be pretty awesome, weather-wise so these rides would be a good option to enjoy that weather.
State of Biking in DC: Pretty effing awesome. Its Spring. Capital Bikeshare is being expanded. Bike trails are all over the place. Even celebrities are getting in on the action.
Plus, it's Earth Day. Put the car keys down, and your helmets on!
Do this: According to TBD.com, a group of wounded soldiers will be doing a group ride around Haines Point right about...well, now probably. If you're in the area, stop by and cheer them on.
Have you registered for BikeDC yet? Do it.
Did you know BicycleSPACE does group rides every weekend? They have different rides for different skills. This weekend is supposed to be pretty awesome, weather-wise so these rides would be a good option to enjoy that weather.
State of Biking in DC: Pretty effing awesome. Its Spring. Capital Bikeshare is being expanded. Bike trails are all over the place. Even celebrities are getting in on the action.
Plus, it's Earth Day. Put the car keys down, and your helmets on!
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
I'm fine.
Hi guys, I'm still doing #30DaysofBiking, I just haven't been able to post in awhile.
My beloved cat, Indiana Jones*, fell ill very suddenly and passed away on Friday.
It's untethered me a bit.
I've been very slowly trying to put everything back together again. It's been a reality adjustment for me, as a fairly significant and constant portion of it is simply gone.
Anyway, I will be back with inane ramblings & photos very soon. Perhaps with some good news, even.
I have been biking everyday (except for that awful, horrible, no-good day on Friday), and the weather just keeps getting warmer and more spring-ier by the day.
Thank you to those that sent their condolences on the passing of Indy. I really do appreciate it.
My beloved cat, Indiana Jones*, fell ill very suddenly and passed away on Friday.
It's untethered me a bit.
I've been very slowly trying to put everything back together again. It's been a reality adjustment for me, as a fairly significant and constant portion of it is simply gone.
Anyway, I will be back with inane ramblings & photos very soon. Perhaps with some good news, even.
I have been biking everyday (except for that awful, horrible, no-good day on Friday), and the weather just keeps getting warmer and more spring-ier by the day.
Thank you to those that sent their condolences on the passing of Indy. I really do appreciate it.
 |
| The Evilest Hench Cat Ever. |
*I did not name her that.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Day 11 #30DaysofBiking
Stunning day in DC. Temps in the mid 80's, with blinding sunshine.
I decided to wait until the evening before heading out, both for the cooler breeze & for the sunset sky.
I rode around downtown, reminding myself of why I love this beautiful city.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Days 8, 9, & 10 #30DaysOfBiking
Not too many pictures this time, as my biking has been pretty boring.
Bike to work. Bike from work. Bike to brunch. Bike to bar. Bike home.
It does not help that the weather had been pretty dismal...
I keep forgetting to put a seat cover on.
I had a little bike adventure planned for today, but my riding partner lost power in her home (no alarm) so she overslept. I suppose I could have gone on my own, but I started feeling pretty awful soon after (chills, nausea, headache) so I stayed on the couch.
I started feeling human again later on, and biked down to my favorite spot for some human interaction. So there's that.
Tomorrow the temps are supposed to reach the mid 80's. Wha wha?? Can't I have a nice mild spring day? My friend is trying to drag me out of bed super early tomorrow for a ride that will be very complicated for me to get to. Normally I would jump on the chance, but I still feel like a hollowed-out shell from earlier. I think I will pass. Instead I will go out on my own later in the day and do some scavenger hunting..
Bike to work. Bike from work. Bike to brunch. Bike to bar. Bike home.
It does not help that the weather had been pretty dismal...
I keep forgetting to put a seat cover on.
I had a little bike adventure planned for today, but my riding partner lost power in her home (no alarm) so she overslept. I suppose I could have gone on my own, but I started feeling pretty awful soon after (chills, nausea, headache) so I stayed on the couch.
I started feeling human again later on, and biked down to my favorite spot for some human interaction. So there's that.
Tomorrow the temps are supposed to reach the mid 80's. Wha wha?? Can't I have a nice mild spring day? My friend is trying to drag me out of bed super early tomorrow for a ride that will be very complicated for me to get to. Normally I would jump on the chance, but I still feel like a hollowed-out shell from earlier. I think I will pass. Instead I will go out on my own later in the day and do some scavenger hunting..
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