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Twitter has opened up a world of new possibilities for this introvert. Most recently, I've found a great blog from @sharrowsDC, who blogs his bike commute daily. From here, I stumbled upon some characters who do long distance bicycling. They're called randonneurs.
One of these cool kids, @gypsybug of the excellent Chasing Mailboxes blog, issued a winter cycling challenge: 12 utilitaires in 6 weeks. What the heck is a utilitaire, you ask?
"Essentially, it’s utility cycling – a ride on your bike to do an errand,
or to transport yourself some place for a specific purpose."
I decided I was up for the challenge.
I only managed to log 7 of the required 12 utilitaires (and photograph them). During many of my early (ie cold weather) rides I found myself oddly reluctant to remove my gloves and dig out my phone to take the obligatory photo. Admittedly, most of the rides in this "winter challenge" took place in less than wintry, downright balmy conditions.
Anyway, it was a fun challenge and it got me out on my bicycle when I might have wimped out otherwise. Thanks @gypsybug!
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| Utilitaire #1: 2/2 to work via 15th St bike lane |
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| Utilitaire #3: 2/6, walk to dinner in NYC on work trip |
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| My front light. I favor the blinking setting. |
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| Utilitaire #4: 3/8 to haircut (night) ride |
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| Red blinky light on my reflective backpack |
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| Utilitaire #2: 3/9 Coffeeneuring, ME Swings |
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| Utilitaire #5: 2/28 massage |
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| Utilitaire #6: 3/13. Homeless bus stop takeover! |
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| Utilitaire #7: 3/16 Coffeeneuring to ME Swings |
