Coffeeneuring

I am proud to have successfully completed MG's 2012 Coffeeneuring Challenge.

Below are the 7 qualifying rides Hubz and I did. Click on the links for the description and photos of each ride. I've also included a rating for each, credit for that idea goes to Rootchopper.

Merci Beaucoup to MG for issuing this challenge. We had an absolute blast riding our bikes, as always. This project got us out at unusual times (we forgot how much we love night cycling!) and led us to discover some great new places. 

Click on each ride to see the longer-winded report and photos from each ride.

Ride #1: Coffeeneuring with Friends
Destination: Big Bear Cafe, 1700 1st St, NW
Date: Sunday, October 14
Beverages: French Press coffee for Hubz, a latte for me
Total Miles: 12.16 
Rating: 5 cups
Summary: We loved everything about this place. Good coffee, lots of tasty food choices, attractive interior/patio in a lovely neighborhood easily accessible by a bike-friendly route. Some bike parking.

Ride #2: Post-Army 10 Miler Coffeeneuring
Destination: Sova Espresso and Wine, 1359 H Street NE
Date: Sunday, October 21, 2012
Beverages: Oolong tea for me, drip coffee for Hubz
Total miles:  14.77
Rating: 3 cups
Summary: Hipster space, slightly edgy neighborhood, somewhat bike-friendly route, some bike parking.

Ride #3: Marathon Spectating and Coffeeneuring
Destination: Baked and Wired, 1052 Thomas Jefferson Street, NW
Date: Sunday, October 28 
Beverages: Lattes for both of us
Total Miles:  16.13

Rating:  4.5 cups
Summary: AMAZEBALLS quiche and baked goods, lovely space and neighborhood, bike-friendly route that's also pleasant and scenic. You'll have to lock your bike to a parking meter or street sign.

Ride #4: Late Night Coffeeneuring
Destination: Open City, 2331 Calvert St, NW
Date: Saturday, November 3
Beverages: Chaipuccino and drip coffee
Total Miles: 6 
Rating: 5 cups  
Summary: Best coffee in the city, full menu including baked goods, lively space plus patio on a bike-friendly route. Some bike parking.

Ride #5: Early Morning Coffeeneuring
Destination: Tryst, 2459 18th St NW
Date: Sunday, November 4
Beverages: Guatemalan and Ethiopian drip coffee
Total Miles: 2.64
Rating: 5 cups 
Summary: Top-notch coffee, lounge setting with lots of comfy seating, hip neighborhood, easily accessible on a bike-friendly route, TONS of bike racks.

Ride #6: Buzzed in the Burbs: Exploring New Territory
Destination: Blue Arbor Cafe, 201 Union Street, Occoquan, VA
Date: Saturday, November 10
Beverages: Caramel Apple Cider and Cafe Americano
Total Miles: 8 
Rating: 2.5 cups 
Summary: Good cider, lovely patio seating, nice-looking cafe menu, no bike parking, unfriendly bike route.

Ride #7: A Surprise Bike Rack and Why I Don't Hate Starbucks 
Destination: Starbucks Coffee, 12447 Hedges Run Drive, Lake Ridge, VA
Date: Sunday, November 11
Beverages: Pumpkin Spice Latte and Thanksgiving Blend coffee
Total Miles: 3.2
Rating: 4 cups
Summary: Excellent coffee, standard Starbucks space/seating, in a shopping center, unfriendly bike route if you don't live in the neighborhood.