#coffeeneuring 2019: A damp start into the season

It's Coffeeneuring season once again -- and I got another early start this year.

I had tried to get a little group together by advertising the ride among my local FB riding group, but between the timing -- 6:30-7 am -- and the weather forecast, I didn't get anything but a handful of "maybes." My alarm went off at 5:30 am. I was prepared for rain but wasn't sure how bad it would be. A glance at the weather radar looked promising: One system had just passed through and it seemed like the next one was still farther west. Well, don't trust the interwebs: As soon as I left the house, I knew that it would be a wet ride. It was warm, blustery, and the air was filled with something between mist and rain.

Coffee's ready!

The destination for the morning was McDaniel Park in McFarland. In theory, the ride there is very scenic: almost all on trails, including a long boardwalk along a lake. In practice, today it was too dark and rainy to see much.

Arrived at the park. No daylight yet, just my BUMM headlight

I arrived at the park at 6:28 am and, as expected, I was the only person there. I had picked McDaniel Park partly because it offers a picnic shelter for conditions like today's. The shelter certainly helped, but even then the wind howled across the open lake and made it difficult to keep my coffee-making supplies in place. One hand on the wind screen, the other holding on to my improvised tablecloth or whatever was being blown away at that moment...

Heading back on the boardwalk

After enjoying my cup of coffee as it slowly got lighter, I didn't linger long. The rain accompanied me on the way to my meeting downtown, and I was glad to have brought a change of clothes.

Short respite from the rain in our famous Monona Terrace bike elevator

Rides like today's are what coffeeneuring is all about for me: Without the challenge I certainly wouldn't have ridden 20 miles on a day, or had coffee anywhere but on my couch.

Arriving at work, now really soaked

Rider name: Harald
Ride #: 1
Date: 10/11
Total mileage: 19 mi (31 km)
Drink: Equal Exchange Breakfast Blend, prepared in a Moka Express on a DIY alcohol stove
Location: McDaniel Park, McFarland (WI)

PS Apologies for all the selfies and potato-quality pics. In the morning rush I had left my proper camera at home.

Lower Yahara River Trail is open!

Just a quick post fueled by excitement: Yesterday was the opening day for the first phase of the Lower Yahara River Trail. This trail connects Madison with the little town of McFarland. Previously all the connections between the two consisted of heavily trafficked roads. This new trail will open up a new route for commuters as well as recreational cyclists. I went out there last night and took some footage of the trail:

Smooth asphalt, great signage, and a long boardwalk across Upper Mud Lake/Lake Waubesa. And a tavern at the McFarland end of the trail. What more could you ask for?! (Okay: There are two more phases for the trail, eventually connecting it all the way to Stoughton. So there is something more to ask for. But for now I'm really happy and excited!)