anniebikes

Slow Rolling with Adele - Adirondack Rail Trail During Peak Foliage

2026-10-14T15:53:02.588-04:00

Adele and I headed to Lake Placid, New York, in early October for our annual riding pilgrimage, this time tackling the 34-mile Adirondack Rail Trail. (Last year's adventure was in Canada.)

I've ridden the trail in sections, but never end to end (and back the next day). Adele had barely heard of the trail! I knew she was in for a treat. Adele is slowing down, and I knew this might be a great ride for both of us. There is a lot to absorb: numerous small lakes, bridges, waterfowl, and often turtles, especially snappers. It was hard to miss a large one as it crawled across the gravel trail.

To our delight, we happened upon peak autumn foliage. What a gorgeous ride!

The trail travels by Saranac Lake and ends in Tupper Lake, our destination for the evening.

Even during mid-week, the trail is busy. It's a gem in the Adirondacks, completed only a year ago.

There were 36 miles total to reach our room for the evening. Tupper Lake is a little rough around the edges, but we were lucky to snag the last available room!

We always laugh and talk about everything.

We enjoyed the return journey and had fish and chips with salad at River Trail Beerworks before riding the slight incline back to Lake Placid.

As we age, I'm thankful for any time on two wheels with my dear friend. Pedal on, Adele, pedal on.

Colchester Cemeteries Quest - Exploring History, Part 3

2026-09-25T13:29:41.390-04:00

Both the fifth and sixth cemetery visits required longer rides. The smallest, Champlain Cemetery stands on a slight hill, tucked between woods, by far the quaintest of all. I immediately recognized the Vermont Old Cemetery Association's work on repaired headstones.

I liked this design with inscriptions: husband, Sherman "He rests from his labors & his works do follow him" and his wife, Lavinia "She hath done what she could".

I love the interesting old names: Rufus, Philura, Marilla, Hector, and Amelia. When wandering cemeteries, I notice some names are common today, while others have disappeared from our naming lexicon.

Rufus Thompson was killed in the Battle of Gettysburg and was buried there. It must have been difficult for his parents, Philura and David - and for all parents of early war casualties to not have their loved ones' bodies brought home.

The Monty name, less commonly spelled "Montey," appears on several gravestones. I presume they are all related to the Monty's in the Munson Cemetery.

Though I gravitate to the older stones for their creative descriptions, mostly absent from current gravestones (likely due to cost), each cemetery has its share of recent burials, too.

The following day, the weather held and I visited the last cemetery on my list. From relatively tiny Champlain Cemetery, Fort Ethan Allen Cemetery is vastly different. The flat burial ground reminded me of a small-scale Arlington National Cemetery, primarily housing veterans and their families. The flag-adorned plots bordered a busy highway.

I can usually find something interesting: an epitaph, a unique headstone, but I was struck by the sheer number of simple headstones. This cemetery is also close to a former military fort, its namesake. Established as a cavalry post in 1894 and closed in 1944, Fort Ethan Allen was strategically located to protect the northern borders; its grounds are now a National Historic District. The brick buildings remain, refitted into housing and businesses.

This concludes my quest to visit 6 cemeteries maintained by my community of Colchester.

Sculpture Park, Ti Ferry, a Steep Climb, and a Star Trek Museum Tour

2026-08-28T11:13:06.498-04:00

Outdoor sculptures are fun experiences.

As August weather cooled this summer, I was inspired to get on with my proposed trips. I pictured this 3-event adventure as an Amtrak overnight, but weekend weather hadn't been conducive. Instead, we packed everything into one day, driving first to Lemon Fair Sculpture Park (on a busy road), later parking in a small town to tackle the rest by bike.

The sculptures are composed by multiple artists exhibiting their work. We walked a mown trail through a hayfield, sending grasshoppers jumping everywhere! I was drawn to several works: shiny, hammered metal ones, and especially the quad of horses, from lattice depictions to full body to the foreground mixture of both.

The ferry route is the longest running crossing of Lake Champlain, dating to 1759.

On the Vermont side of Lake Champlain, we boarded the Ticonderoga cable ferry, crossing narrow water, then pedalled a few more miles into the small town. It was getting hot.

Ending the one-hour tour on the Bridge!

While not a Trekkie, per se, I've wanted to visit the Star Trek Museum per rave reviews. The owner has reconstructed the original season film set from plans, and as we later learned, had altered some things to make it more authentic, due to changes observed on film. We barely made the reserved timeslot, showing up sweaty!

A knowledgeable tour guide walked a small group around the set, explaining everything from how they filmed to the intricacies of backdrop decorations gleaned from the studio's stockpile (that appear in other TV shows!). What struck me the most was the flimsy walls, open ceilings, and rooms that were configured to represent multiple rooms on the Star Ship. Other interesting notes: Lucy and Desi Arnez studios financed the first three original seasons (I think?) - because filming Sci-Fi was expensive. The public clamored for more, and thus the reruns propelled the original cast and shows to stardom. I am of that generation, watching in the 1970s. In the lobby, there are many original outfits, plus the museum hosts special screenings on the Bridge. And maybe best of all, cast members show up each year - William Shatner, in his 90s, came last fall.

Well worth the visit!

Pressed for time, and not knowing how long it would take us, we climbed the 500ft road to Mt. Defiance. It was tough! We also were low on food and a bit dehydrated, but we made it. The breeze cooled us. What a view and strategic overlook of Fort Ticonderoga on the flat peninsula below.

Mt Defiance is notable because British General Burgoyne's army in 1777 built the road to place artillery overlooking both Fort Ticonderoga and Fort Independence, (located on what's now the Vermont side). The same road that's now, thankfully, paved!

The descent tested my brakes, but it seemed only a hot minute back to the entrance.

We discovered a food coop - who knew? - in tiny Ticonderoga village. Refreshed and satiated, we ferried back and arrived at our car in less than 10 miles.

A Simple Upgrade to Po Campo's Musette Crossbody Bag

2026-06-23T15:31:26.156-04:00

My addition: pull the string and cordlock through the webbing and cinch for security.

Po Campo's Musette is a classy, large-sized bag with their signature Visi-Hemp fabric and liner. I am in love with the well-made fabric: sturdy, reflective, and stylish - features I appreciate after using their Crescent handlebar bag in the same material.

Awkward gaping.

The simple opening, however, has a drawback. The roomy size begs to be filled, yet the opening gaps without a closure mechanism. I used this bag as a flight carry-on - it fit comfortably under the seat - but I was concerned about concealing valuables, or worse, losing something important.

The cord is zigzag stitched beneath the bottom edge of the label, so it remains hidden in the overall design.

Musettes are inherently simple - designed to hold a water bottle and a few additional items. I love problem-solving, especially when it comes to making a much-loved item more functional. While some manufacturers use snaps, zippers, or velcro, I aimed to streamline the solution while keeping the svelte overall style. Along with adding heavy cord and cordlock, I sewed a small piece of webbing - placed between hash-marked design - to blend in.

The cord can be tucked inside if not needed, yet handy to pull out once the bag is stuffed, then slip through the webbing to secure everything.

I'm pleased that I found an unobtrusive solution!

3 Day Tour Around Lake Champlain - Oh, the Lilacs!

2026-06-17T12:56:34.335-04:00

On Memorial Day weekend, I set out on an easy, scenic 100-mile route circling northern Lake Champlain, doable with my current fitness, divided into 3 manageable days. I like to enjoy roadside wildflowers, architecture, historic markers, and even garage sales! I waited until the bike ferry opened; it's a pleasant lake crossing, bypassing a busy road in favor of pedaling South Hero's gorgeous Westside Road. With some rain in the forecast, I hoped the light itinerary would allow me to choose a dry window for cycling each day.

Lilacs were in bloom, their heady scent perfuming the route, so much so that I dubbed my adventure "the lilac tour." Mmmmm.

Point Au Roche's rooms purposely lack a TV, overlook manicured grounds, and have private decks. It's a wonderful spot to enjoy birdlife, and I even saw a woodchuck.

One of my favorite places to stay is Point Au Roche Lodge. Located at "D" on the map. It's a low-key, rustic place with lovely, large rooms, a gazebo to relax in (or park your bike discreetly out of sight), and a kitchen to cook your own food. I brought some items from home for dinner and breakfast, supplemented with convenience store food.

The lower right photo shows the remains of a wooden railroad trestle that once crossed the lake.

It rained early on the second day, but let up by 10am, so I cycled northward on an amazing tailwind, all the way to Rouses Point! I ate a breakfast bagel at Lakeside Coffee Roasters, relaxed for an hour, then slowly climbed and descended the Missisquoi Bridge to Vermont, amidst buffeting sidewinds.

The roadway was busy, though with wide shoulders, until I turned towards Alburgh, then located the Alburgh Rail Trail, a few yards off the main road. The trail is only 4 miles, but the remoteness and nearly singletrack through wetlands were a delight, with a birdsong serenade. The trail conveniently intersected with a side road to my destination, the Alburgh RV Resort, located at "H" on the map.

It was raining by the time I arrived at the campground, so I ducked into the recreation hall. I had a good experience last year at this spot. While primarily an RV resort, there's a communal grassy area beneath trees that serves as a tent area; people are nice; there's a lakefront area, and I called ahead to pay, because reception is often closed, though the proprietors are only a phone call away. It was a chilly 50F and still windy, so I snuggled inside my packable jacket - a necessary item - and read for a while, until the rain stopped. I set up my tent, then returned to the sheltered entryway to cook dinner before settling down to watch a movie on my Kindle in the tent.

I was warm and comfortable, earplugs blocking out the rain that continued overnight, but for some odd reason, that has never happened before, I didn't sleep for more than an hour - that was a long night!

I had planned to make coffee on the third morning, but after packing up a soaked tent, I wanted to start on my 40+ mile journey south, once the storm had passed, knowing I could eat breakfast at a Maplefields convenience store 20 minutes away. The coffee and waffle breakfast sandwich tasted great!

The rest of the ride was pleasant. A slight headwind didn't hinder progress; Google's routing kept me off busy Route 2, and the lilac fragrance freshened the gentle island miles. I'm always amazed at the nicer waterfront homes slowly emerging along the lakeshore. I stopped for a rest at Hero's Welcome, engaged with cycle tourists from St. Louis, and waved to a lone tourist soon after I set off.

I ate half my sandwich at the familiar Grand Isle ferry landing, filled water bottles, and an hour later returned on the bike ferry, arriving home at 3pm.

What a great route!

Colchester Cemeteries Quest - Exploring History, Part 2

2026-06-05T14:49:21.404-04:00

Like the previous outing, I set out to visit two more local burial grounds. The largest of the Colchester Cemeteries, the Village Cemetery sits behind the Burnham Library.

It's also worth noting there's strong historical interest within our community with an active Colchester Historical Society. We recently went to a talk about a regional railroad line.

Thus, I was intrigued to immediately spot the Burnham name. But the library wasn't named for Herbert, but rather Etta. Upon his retirement in Massachusetts, they moved back to where she grew up, both serving the Colchester community. After Herbert passed, Etta lived a few more years. She willed most of her estate to “build, furnish, and maintain a library.”

The Leggett headstone is a sad reminder that parents, especially during wartime, often outlive their children. Only 2 of 4 children lived to old age.

The Nourse name caught my eye because there's a region where Bay Road meets East Lakeshore Drive, with a pretty view of Malletts Bay - still marked as Nourse's Corner on Google Maps. It was a snack bar hot spot in the 50's, and I recall my parents mentioning the place. George Nourse started the snack bar, which specialized in toasted hot dogs, and it ran for 20 years, though it didn't survive his passing.

Regionally, Michigan-style hot dogs, split lengthwise, grilled, then topped with meat sauce and mustard squiggles, served on a toasted bun, were popular when I was younger, and still found today at Beansie's Bus in Burlington's Battery Park. Once in a while, I stop for this irresistible treat.

Moses headed the Colchester regiment in the War of 1812.

The Moses stone is unique because the raised lettering is still visible on the marble stone. It's customary to see debossed lettering, like the right-hand gravestone, that, in time, marble doesn't weather well, especially in a harsh New England climate. Sometime over the past 200 years, stones were replaced with harder granite. Because of the differences, it's easy to spot older graves in any cemetery.

The older stones have interesting inscriptions: for example, specifying days lived or age at death. So much character in the old headstones!

I found an excellent, comprehensive online Colchester history resource, something I'll surely reference time and again.

The second stop was at the Old Methodist Church Cemetery, tucked away behind a firehouse on Main Street, formerly the Old Methodist Church site. At first, the grounds seemed neglected, sandy and barren, scrubby grass trying to survive. While a nice iron gate bordered the cemetery, it lacked signage, so I hope the colorful official marker is in the works.

Upon closer inspection, I noticed the old stones were cleaned, and fragments pieced back together. There is a statewide Old Cemetery Association that helps communities preserve historical markers, with the help of volunteers.

Celebrating the life of Charlotte Johnson at 101 years old - amazing longevity for that time period. She outlived her husband by 40 years!

While headstones remain, trees and, eventually, stumps morph into headstones.

Two more cemeteries to go!

Fort Collins Visit - Family, Snow day and Cycling

2026-05-21T15:24:00.190-04:00

I spied a wonderful Peanuts-themed book box. One afternoon, we made slab pottery at their place.

I visit our eldest son in Fort Collins every year. My husband drove again, hauling our mountain bikes. This year was extra special because of staying at their first home, a 3-level townhouse, close to Horsetooth Reservoir, foothills trails, and a city park. The location suits them: great for walking, riding trails, and daily walks with their large dog. Their basement alone is good-sized, complete with a large bathroom - a perfect setup for guests. And their garage, well, let's just say they love cycling as much as my husband and I do.

For 10 days, we stayed near Fort Collins in general, this time around. We hung out with old friends one evening, visited a brewery for trivia night, and cycled almost every day except for the day a wild, but beautiful snowstorm dumped 5" of heavy snow, breaking limbs all over the city. We sat in recliners at a cool theater.

On Mother's Day, we visited an amazing train museum in Greeley, complete with a humongous model train set up - per my request - and it was wonderful. But that's not all, we had lunch nearby at Weldwerks, a recommended brewery, and later my son and I mountain biked in a natural area, then we all had pizza at a low-key spot. It was likely the best Mother's Day ever!

The high desert climate speaks to me. Dry air, abundant sunshine, low-growing cactus, wildflowers, non-poisonous bull snakes, prairie dogs, deer, magpies, open landscape, cliffs, reservoirs, rivers, and canals. It is interesting in an arid climate, how water is captured, contained, and channeled (sloped sidewalks direct water to street-side catchment areas that drain to canals). I learned that 40% of Fort Collins' water supply comes from the Colorado River! That kind of diversion wouldn't happen today. It makes me wonder how many other communities east of the Rockies rely on the same resource. Even with all that, Fort Collins and the surrounding communities are growing. Unfortunately, drought conditions were abundantly clear - a brown landscape - compared to my last visit.

We cycled most everywhere for groceries and errands. I used my son's Peugeot for city jaunts, and my hardtail on trails. We rode in Hewlett Gulch, Bobcat Ridge Natural Area, and right from their home into the hills. I went by myself a couple of times - my husband had an annoying injury - exploring Spring Creek Trail, Mason Trail, plus discovering more of the foothill network.

I'll be back next year.

Colchester Cemeteries Quest - Exploring History, Part 1

2026-04-30T10:59:00.003-04:00

There are six public cemeteries managed by our community. Because the town is spread out and borders a large bay, I knew this quest would help me get out of a cycling rut by offering alternative routes. I also enjoy history, so as a side quest, I hoped to learn something about Colchester's history - it was chartered in 1763, one of the oldest in Vermont, and named after Colchester, England.

At the Malletts Bay Cemetery, the Coates, Prim and Mills headstones caught my eye. All are names I'm familiar with.

Isaac and Lydia Coates came from England in 1833, gradually making their way to Colchester. They farmed and fished, later residing on an island that came to be named the present-day "Coates Island." Several family members still reside on the island today. There have been several acres of wooded plot left undeveloped that I have always wondered about. If I understand both references correctly, it's been left empty in honor of Isaac and Lydia's son William, nicknamed "Gompy".

"A 20-acre site across from Rozzi’s and still owned by the Coates family is kept open in memory of their Gompy who once had his garden there."

As for the Prim headstones, I only found that Chester's ancestry is from Canada - not surprising for many Vermonters. A nearby road is named Prim Road.

We parked our bikes next to a gargantuan tree!

On the same day, we visited the Munson Cemetery, a corner lot adjacent to the Munson Farm and former mill. This one is notable because volunteers recently cleaned the headstones. It is the town's first and oldest cemetery, and 6 generations of Munsons are buried there, the longest family history in Colchester! It is also the only public cemetery with plenty of burial plots left, thanks to a recent land donation that doubled the available space.

Blakely is a prominent road name. Unfortunately, I couldn't find out any more information on Ithamer or Cornelia Blakely.

Other interesting facts: James Johnson has a wooden marker (upper right in photo); "In Memory of Tirzah" stone states she's a "consort" - make of that what you will! - while Chauncy Wheeler was previously married to a "Tirzy". Their stones are next to each other, but there the similarity ends. Cloud Monte's plot - the only one in the cemetery - is marked with a Revolutionary War Veteran symbol.

More to come...

Riding the Bassi Rachel on an Overnight to St. Albans

2026-04-13T15:42:00.001-04:00

Lunch spot along the Lamoille River in Milton.

When spring warms, I start thinking about bike overnights. I have several easy ideas based on riding the bike ferry, which bypasses nasty, high-trafficked roads. Amtrak is also a good resource. This time I decided to revisit a trip I did 4 years ago, starting from home, northward to St. Albans, but take my Bassi Rachel, that tackles rolling terrain with aplomb.

It's easy to pack two panniers with overnight stuff, as I had reserved a hotel room. At the last minute, my husband had a minor injury, so he promised to meet me later. Pump up tires, wipe the dust off Rachel's shiny frame, fill water bottles, bring simple snacks, requisite tools, and a lock, and I'm off!

A peaceful interlude: mossy banks, maple sap lines, and privacy.

30 miles each way is doable, even with the forecasted headwind in each direction! The sun felt great, in the 40's F. Red-winged blackbirds serenaded my adventure. I varied my route from last time, revisiting downton Milton and cruising by Arrowhead Lake, sprayed from the dam's roaring cascade, before rolling west, curving northward through farm country and housing sprawl. Between the water-filled gullies and lack of public land, it is difficult to find a private spot, but I eventually did.

I avoided the lakeshore because of the strengthening headwind, in favor of quieter roads before reaching my destination.

I have always loved the family-friendly ambiance of 14th Star Brewery. Too early for hotel check-in, I hung out, grabbed a snack, and a flight, and coincidentally live bands performed all afternoon.

I love this spot with a view of the railroad high bridge over the Lamoile River.

We had a quiet evening, then enjoyed breakfast together, before I set off Sunday morning. It was considerably warmer with less wind. I was enjoying the route south, very similar to the previous adventure, past wetlands, farms, and rolling hills.

The Rachel was the perfect companion: cushiony tires, low gears - a cruising machine. This is the third saddle I've tried, and sadly, it needs another refresh.

Mini adventures always curb my wanderlust. With retirement on the horizon, I can't wait to spend endless time in the saddle.

2026 Philly Bike Expo

2026-03-27T13:15:00.000-04:00

My favorite buddy and I attended the 2026 Philly Bike Expo, driving there on Friday rather than taking Amtrak. The benefits are that we carried full-size bikes and arrived in daylight, which meant bonus afternoon exploratory miles. The tough part was driving 8+ hours with many stops.

This was my third, and my husband's first time attending not only the expo, but also visiting Philadelphia, so after checking into an Airbnb we took advantage of the fine weather (I always get lucky), cruising south along the Schuylkill. My goal was to investigate the new connector, a white, cabled bridge, allowing easy passage to South Philly, which led to further meandering, finding a route near an active trolley line, a visit to the train station, then returning on another safe bridge crossing for dinner at the Airbnb.

I reserved the same place as in previous visits. Not only is it cozy with a full kitchen, but it's also convenient to the expo, easy access to the Schuylkill River trail, and walkable to museums and a grocery store, plus it has roll-in bike storage, while our car was parked a block away. I can't imagine staying anywhere else!

Ben Franklin's grave and a William Penn monument.

As mentioned in previous visits, though the expo is the main attraction, the connection with bike friends, interesting seminars, and organized bike rides is a major draw. I stay for 3 nights to also hit a few historical spots, which makes the 2 long travel days worth it.

We reconnected with an acquaintance that we met on the Cross NH Adventure Trail, who's staying in our town this summer! We plan to meet up.

Local friend, Roberta, is a good source of ideas. The Liberty Bell had long lines (I saw that previously, but my husband hadn't), but we enjoyed ascending the Ben Franklin Bridge with views of the Delaware River and downtown Philly. Later, we walked from our accommodation and found a block-sized former prison and a defunct railcar business area with a sunken spot we imagine was where the cars "launched".

My favorite parts of this year's Expo: Tumbleweed Bikes booth, Schwalbe Tires plus their informative tubeless tire seminar, Memento Cycles creative small-wheeled creation (it won best in show), Pennsylvania Trails booth (lots of free maps), Shane Sellers bike-themed pottery, and a wonderfully comprehensive history of Schwinn Bicycles seminar, narrated by a relation, who sold the company and went on to found the Gunnar brand - since passed to a Colorado company.

Here's to the friend connections: Roberta, Pam, Leah, and finally meeting Spencer in person.

Philly, we'll be back!

The Bike Wishlist: An Orange-Colored Easy-Mount Mini Cargo Bike

2026-03-11T13:04:00.008-04:00

Interesting concept: a step-through mini cargo bike. Paint it orange, and I'm in love. Photo credit unavailable.

I've long had a fascination with orange bikes, and I eventually want one. But it's difficult to justify a new purchase when I already own various styles.

Enter the mini cargo bike idea. I love small-wheel bikes, so why not an orange-painted, easy-mounting, mini-velo-style? Pedal-powered only.

I've been eyeing the Tern Short Haul. On paper, it ticks all the boxes. It can be stored vertically in a garage, tipped onto its back rack. I had the opportunity to inspect one in our local bike shop. In person, the bike, to my eye, is clunky: thick tubing, moto-style tires, and overall, the length is longer than I had anticipated, especially when I sat on the saddle. It felt ungainly.

Tern Short Haul

There is always the Crust Clydesdale Fork or a similar Veloce Pick Up Fork that converts older mountain bikes into bombproof front loaders. I like this option, despite the hefty price, because it opens up various bikes for conversion. Add high-volume rear panniers, like Vincita's Skye Panniers, and, voila, lots of cargo space.

Photo credit: Veloce Pick Up fork.

What makes sense is eventually replacing my step-through commuter bike, or better yet, repainting it orange, because 20" step-throughs are hard to come by. Along with the fork conversion, I'd add Bullmoose-style bars, something else on my wishlist. They're at a similar angle to the Arc bar on my Peugeot commuter, so they'd work.

Whether or not these ideas come to fruition is anyone's guess. And honestly, I don't need a cargo bike - I just want one.

These are the musings that take up brain space. Tell me I'm not the only one.

From Tinkerer to Hero Bike Mechanic

2026-02-16T11:23:00.004-05:00

Tinkering at 14 years old, working on a quasi-dirt jumper.

I find it interesting how lifelong passions manifest during middle school years. I dove into anything artistic. Our eldest son was into computer-related things (now a programmer). And our youngest plunged headfirst into bike mechanics.

Early on, he and a buddy rode with backpacks full of bike parts, swapping between their homes.

He was also an early winter riding adopter. He took that to heart, even if it made Mom nervous.

He enjoyed bike mechanics in summer school, learning to work on his own bike.

In high school, he thrived in a bike touring class, in addition to commuting to/from school.

I especially liked his quasi dirt jumper, a work of art. I learned about the plasti-dipping technique.

He eventually built a beautiful dirt jumper.

His pivotal year was 2020 (pivotal for many of us!). Because of the pandemic, the spring of his senior year was rough, especially missing his last track season. At the same time, I was out of work. After his graduation and moving homes in June, we were able to connect. He showed me local single-track networks to avoid crowded rail trails. I eventually encouraged him to return to what he enjoyed, which was volunteering at a non-profit bike shop - his choice to meet a high school volunteer requirement.

Between volunteering, YouTube research, and upgrading several bikes - including mine - he found his niche! In the spring, (at the same shop), he was offered a temporary bike mechanic spot, which turned into a full-time position.

He fixed a broken shifter and cleaned up my Peugeot's drivetrain.

He's been a mechanic for 4-5 years. His favorite task is doing custom builds. He's competent, patient, teaches newer employees, and is passionate about his work. Not bad for a 23-year-old!

Presta Schmesta - Bring Back Schrader Valves!

2026-02-03T14:30:00.004-05:00

Presta valves on both my Hard Rock and Rachel.

Over the past twenty years, Presta became the default on most new adult-sized bicycles. Because Presta valves are narrower and longer than their Schrader counterpart, the evolution began with skinny racing tires - a smaller rim hole equalled stronger wheels. The longer Presta valve can also accommodate different wheel depths. The Presta standard eventually carried over to bikes of all styles, in my opinion, because of marketing hype, not strictly for the select ridership where it made the most sense.

Presta valves are valuable for those seeking a tubeless setup, primarily for modern-day mountain and gravel bikes, and the rugged terrain where punctures are more prevalent. Tubeless requires constant monitoring, ensuring enough sealant, and often constant inflation/deflation, depending on preferred pressure. Tubeless also allows single-digit PSI. Adventurous riders swear by tubeless. But most often, they carry a spare tube as backup.

On top of that, there's a movement towards the Clik Valve, essentially an adapter for the Presta valve for easier one-handed inflation.

In otherwords, users are tired of the finicky Presta valve. While I've had a lot of experience with Presta (no tubeless yet) I've always had a love/hate relationship with the system. There's a fine line between how much to unscrew the nut and how much to seat the pump for optimal inflation without risking bending the top screw. The washer-type screw that locks the valve against the rim periodically loosens - necessitating tightness checks. And when a tube replacement is necessary, it's harder to remove/insert a tube with a 2" valve, plus keep track of the removable cap and screw!

Here's a simple explanation of the differences between both valves.

While Schrader has faded from the limelight, I've found it a better system for general use: commuter bikes, kids bikes, touring bikes, and recreational riding, because a stronger valve stem is easier to deal with. Bike touring is a good example, necessitating the use of a small hand-type pump.

Araya rims, popular on early touring bikes and mountain bikes, were ubiquitous. All were equipped with Schrader valves. Those rims are still going strong today.

I asked our son why he built Presta rims on my bikes. It's because the rims came with pre-drilled Presta openings. That further explains their prevalent use. In the past, I've had bike shops drill out Presta rims to accommodate Schrader (back when I had one Presta rimmed bike), and there wasn't any loss of structural integrity.

Pleasantly surprised to have Schrader valves on my newest bike,
the Downtube Dyan! Go figure, on the narrowest,
curviest rim of the bunch.

The good news is there's plenty of Schrader tubes available, even in the older 27" x 1.25 size, because as everyone knows, it's fashionable to restore old bikes!

Ideas for 2026

2026-01-22T12:53:00.004-05:00

My goal in 2026 is to keep the cycling momentum by incorporating new trails and routes. Besides the Colorado trip, I want to complete another weeklong bike tour - last year's was great - where is yet to be determined.

In March, I'm heading back to the Philly Bike Expo, this time with my husband! I'm excited to meet up with cycling friends, ride with others, attend seminars, and, of course, attend the main event. It's also the 250th anniversary of the US, and we may stumble upon some of Philly's special events.
Because bike touring in summer's heat was successful, I plan to do it again. It has its merits: cooling off in streams, packing less, and being able to bail on local adventures. Ideas include a 3-day Champlain Islands loop, an upstate New York adventure using the Adirondack Rail Trail, and a one-way journey using Amtrak. So many possibilities!
With a front rack and comfortable bars installed on the Downtube Dyan, I plan to test its handling capabilities on an overnight. The long-term goal is to lower the gearing and try wider tires for more adventurous multimodal trips, but one step at a time.
I'm heading back to Colorado, which has now become an annual pilgrimage, visiting family and friends in Fort Collins for more cycling/hiking fun.
We'll continue to explore more mountain bike trails. Ideas include Woodstock, Millstone and North Branch, all in VT, and Blueberry Hills in Elizabethtown, NY.

No Surprise that 26" ATBs are Experiencing a Resurgence

2026-01-13T12:56:00.004-05:00

My blinged-out Specialized Hard Rock and commuter/winter-ready Peugeot St. Laurent.

The resurgence of 26" ATB bikes has been dominating conversations and predictions in 2026. Due to the rising cost of new bikes, tariff-affected component prices, and weirdly complicated internal routing, electronic shifting - you name it - there's a distinct backlash against new bicycles. Combine that with a demographic shift to Gen Y and Z interest - buying used, like their preference for second-hand clothing - the buzz is centered around taking older bikes and converting them into usable, trendy transportation: think baskets, swoopy handlebars, colored grips, and wider/all-terrain tires.

In fact, in 2026 there are more 26" tires available than five years ago. 1980-90s bicycles are still found in garage sales, your parents' basement, Ebay, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace. The steel rigid mountain bike is easy to work on, upgradeable, accepts fenders, and can be converted to a cargo bike. Bicycle co-ops recondition and resell them for a reason. Our local non-profit, Old Spokes Home, specializes in rigid mountain bikes and will even customize one for you from the frame up, if that's your thing.

This interest is not lost on me, of course. I've owned and toured extensively on a 1986 Trek Antelope, and despite owning several bicycles, I will always prefer the elongated comfort of a sturdy older bike for many types of riding. I now own two!

(And don't get me started on the fiddly Presta valve trend - wish that one would disappear in favor of Schraeder valves for their strength and ease of use.👍)

Creating a Rack Bag from a Thermarest Easy Chair

2026-01-09T14:50:00.000-05:00

A while back, I found a Thermarest Easy Chair abandoned on the roadside in my favorite color. 💜 At the time, I didn't have a specific project in mind, but that didn't deter me from coming up with something! I had constructed a purple tote/backpack from scratch, a bag I use for travel, hauling groceries, or as a flight carry-on. It's versatile and can be rolled up and stowed as needed. What I could use is a bag that fits my Jack the Bike Rack. With multiple attachment points, perhaps roll-top style. I liked the idea of an organized bag that houses my sleep system, easily removed, and carried inside a tent or indoor accommodation. There are many basket bags on the market. I used those as my research starting point and made drawings adaptable to my preferences.

Thermarest Easy Chair, cleaned and dried.

I love repurposing and the creative process involved: drawings, measuring, cutting fabric, washing, and dismantling - lots of seam ripping!

Once I have detailed plans, there's still quite a bit of thought involved: what's the best way to piece it together? Each step is slow as I determine how it should be sewn. And it's par for the course to make minor changes as I start construction, little improvements for versatility.

The basic pieces are complete: molly webbing on four sides, two handles.

I kept the label in place as an homage to its origin. I reused 95% of the webbing. I added padding on the bottom and lower edge on all sides for a bit of structure.

I now have a basket bag that fits my Jack the Bike Rack with a rolltop closure, secured with Jack clips. There's also molly webbing on four sides should I need extra attachment points.

I look forward to trying this out in the spring!

2025 Rewind

2025-12-29T15:41:00.001-05:00

Adventures in Colorado.

2025 was a year when we made travel and adventure a priority. With maximizing vacation and my retirement on the horizon, it made sense to start the momentum.

An organized Philly Bike Expo folding bike ride.

Early in the year, attending the Philly Bike Expo, riding on plowed trails, researching a new folder, and a Colorado vacation occupied my mind and body.

The adventures continued! A fun-filled overnight with Adele, buying a Downtube folder, bike touring the Cross Vermont and Lamoille Valley Rail Trail, and exploring trails around the Montreal region. My husband and I have become KOA converts: we love the dependable cleanliness, atmosphere, and occasional glamping in a cabin.

September and October were filled with more travel: Veloroute des Bleuets, and coastal time capped with riding the Cross New Hampshire Adventure Trail. I never let good weather pass me by!

We made an effort to ride more mountain bike trails. Vermont and New York are filled with trail networks. We only touched the surface of a growing system.

And of course, the annual Coffeeneuring Challenge. I made headway in practicing the Gouache medium, dipping my fingers into painting scenery.

We've had a snowy start to winter. By far the best surprise has been riding with my husband on snowy, plowed trails. He broke his hip while riding to work when we lived in Portland, OR, and since then he's avoided riding in the winter. Something clicked this year - available studded tires likely helped. Since the initial rides together, he's outfitted his preferred bike with gnarly 29" studs and can handle the trails much better than I can with narrower tires. With his 26" studded Bridgestone up for grabs, I'll be sure to explore better traction.

I'm grateful for all the 2025 adventures, plus I topped 3600 miles. Life is good.

72 Years Old and First Time on Studded Tires

2025-12-16T15:08:00.001-05:00

Studded tires allow an easier transition to winter rides.

I've been using studded tires for five years, and I never expected my husband to want to join me this winter on packed snow trails!

Here’s the backstory: My husband suffered a life-altering injury 35 years ago when he fell on ice while riding to work, resulting in a broken hip. That hip troubled him on and off for many years, which is partly why it took me so long to try winter riding myself. His mobility eventually declined until he had a successful hip replacement about three years ago.

Earlier in 2025, I came across an amazing deal on a pair of 26" lightly used 45North studded tires. They were just sitting in the basement, and I thought I might eventually use them or pass them on to our son’s girlfriend. To my surprise, my husband decided to put the tires on his old Bridgestone—a once-loved bicycle that had lost its appeal in favor of his more comfortable hardtail.

So far, we have gone on three outings. He’s gotten the hang of it, and with even better traction than my own tires, he’s considering putting studs on his 29er!

It just goes to show, you're never too old to try something new.

Coffeeneuring 2025 - Exploring Scenery Painting with Gouache

2025-11-26T12:12:00.004-05:00

This is my 14th Coffeeneuring Challenge! For the 3rd year, my theme has been to explore gouache painting, specifically scenery in 2025.

There are lovely beaches and riverbanks to explore.

Of all the 7 paintings, I like the fluidity of this one.

The fall colors were spectacular this year.

And, the finale: the coffeeneuring quilt, viewing all the paintings together.

2025 Mileage Goal - It's Time to Go For It

2025-11-23T09:25:00.008-05:00

A while ago, I surpassed 3000 annual bicycle miles, a number that's pretty consistent year to year. If another round figure is within reach by year's end, I set my sights on that goal. With periodic snow showers, a little rain, shortened days, but generally above freezing temperatures - at least for now - I hereby set 3500 miles as my target. I think I can, I think I can!

November Mind Reset

2025-11-12T15:45:00.004-05:00

Revisiting the November mindset.

How is November the most difficult time of year? I get blindsided by the darker evenings, forceful winds, and looming snow/ice. I am euphoric, riding in October's colorful embrace, then suddenly plunged into gloom. It's the dramatic shift that gets to me. I have eagerly accepted the Happy Light, boosted vitamin D, and walk during lunch breaks to soak up the only available weekday daylight. And yet, I feel unmoored.

Because I ride year-round, the cold doesn't bother me. I dress well, often boosted with chemical warmers. I welcome the studded tire life, headlights lighting a snow-lined bike path, the quiet, with a blanket of starlight. Sublime winter evenings.

It's the transition that's awkward.

Cycling is my happy place. In November, I have to pay particular attention to weather forecasts. Is it near freezing with precipitation imminent? Ugh, it's raining and 40F - how bad do I want to ride? Will the temperatures plummet when I'm out there in the darkness? Has it been howling, and should I be concerned with fallen tree limbs? After the snow begins to fall, I wonder whether both towns responsible for path maintenance have completed their plowing. And as a last resort, is it best to go for a walk?

Getting over the hump, shifting to less frequent outings and safer riding, is a process. I'll get there.

Mountain Bike Riding in 2025

2025-11-07T12:22:00.003-05:00

My husband and I made an effort to explore various mountain bike trails in 2025. We have loved rail trails, and riding singletrack is another way to extend exploration, limiting vehicle interaction. Every year Vermont communities are building networks, taking advantage of public and private land, the latter due to a special Vermont law that absolves private landowner liability. The Kingdom Trails system - largest in the state - has a relationship with consenting landowners. While I didn't make my annual pilgrimage this year we aimed for new trails. Beside local rides in the Intervale and Colchester Woods - perfect for 1-2 hours - we visited Cady Hill in Stowe, and Slate Valley Trails in Poultney. Both are regions with enough beginner to moderate terrain that suits our riding style. Bombardier Park Trails in Milton is a good example of town maintained multi-use trails, perfect for an hour if you live nearby. We also returned for an afternoon at Saxon Hill in Essex. Without signage, it takes some navigation, but the easy and moderate trails are fun.

There's more to explore in 2026!

Cross New Hampshire Adventure Trail

2025-10-17T14:15:00.002-04:00

Cross New Hampshire Adventure Trail scene and a section of chunky trail conditions.

Planning a ride on the 83 mile Cross New Hampshire Adventure Trail (XNHAT) was doable, even in October this year due to the prolonged drought and unusually warm stretch of sunny days. From the western New Hampshire border, eastward to Bethel, Maine, the "trail" is a mix of gravel rail trail - often quite rough - dirt roads, a few sandy stretches shared with ATVs, highway with a couple steep hills, and quiet rolling paved backroads near the eastern terminus.

End of first day, enjoying the smoother, scenic Presidential Rail Trail.

The XNHAT website includes lots of planning information. They mailed us a waterproof map, which was a huge help because the trail is virtually unsigned - we noticed only 3 markers - so additional phone navigation was necessary. We started on the western end, leaving the car behind. We reserved a campsite halfway, one in Bethel, and arranged for a shuttle back to our vehicle on the third morning. The only difficulty was getting to each campground by dark. It's odd to camp in October, and my husband and I realized we hadn't chosen to do it in 40 years!

The well equipped Israel River Campground and a surprise full moon.

The climb from Woodsville along the Ammonoosuc River for the first 20 miles on newly graded, chunky surface gave me trouble. I should've been fine with 2" tires, so I moved slowly, eventually taking a much needed break in Littleton. The afternoon was in the 80sF, but the surfaced improved and we made "time" on the paved portions, arriving at 4:30 at the comfortable Israel River Campground.

Left: the large bridge span over the Androscoggin River at Gorham. Right: Foliage on North Road, leading into Maine.

The second day's miles were more agreeable, descending gradually on the leaf covered Presidential Trail. We got offtrack in Gorham, unfortunately, letting gravity lead us through sandy shared ATV portion, crossing the amazingly long bridge, into more sand before having to backtrack uphill through the mess to access Gorham and lunch - on the other side of the river! Once we sorted that out, it was easiest to ride on a busy highway for 5 miles, then regain the "trail" on the next bridge crossing. It was a lovely afternoon ride on semi shaded North Road, eventually camping in Bethel, ME. The shuttle back to the car worked perfectly.

I loved that the route followed two major New Hampshire Rivers: Ammonoosuc and Androscoggin. Unfortunately, both were extremely low due to the drought so we missed the waters lovely serenade.

Favorite portions: The Presidential Rail Trail and North Road.

Downtube Dyan - a New Handlebar and Front Rack

2025-10-01T16:23:00.000-04:00

Soma's Clarence handlebar, flipped upside down, allowed a comfortable hand position.

Along with the initial saddle and pedal swap, I also needed to address the handlebars, seeking something more ergonomically friendly in addition to adding a front rack, so I'm all set for Amtrak adventures.

The Bars

The slotted handlepost is exceptionally long, and while I consider myself on the taller side at 5'7", I still had to slam the post for the best fit. I knew a new bar could fix both problems. Like swapping bars on my mountain bike, I use the same problem-solving technique: determine correct width, rise, and sweep, room for controls - 7" in my case - and avoid recabling the bike if at all possible. The bar also had to be fairly compact and not affect the fold. Most bars with a forward arc and similar backsweep will work. This in-depth research, and paying attention to all measurements, is hopefully the correct solution the first time around. Soma's Clarence handlebar worked perfectly. I'm 2 for 2!

Top-down view of the flipped bars. So comfy!

Front Rack

The goal with a front rack, was to have more storage when needed, be removable so the bike could still be folded, and be lightweight enough to lug around, connected to any bag and strap system. I attached a red "pig nose" bracket to frame connection. It's permanent (unless unscrewed) and doesn't interfere with the fold. The simple L-shaped Zizzo Front Cargo Rack slides and clicks firmly in place, released easily by pulling a hook in the red bracket.

I'm pleased with both changes!

Slow Rolling with Adele - Veloroute des Bleuets

2025-09-15T16:26:00.001-04:00

The Veloroute des Bleuets has been on my radar for several years, but the 6+ hour travel to the region, north of Quebec City, was an adventure reserved for retirement - until my slow rolling buddy decided to do all the legwork, reserving accommodations. Difficulty in finding places to stay indoors for our intended 4-day, 150-mile loop meant some days were longer than others. Anytime after Labor Day is the off-season, so there are fewer tourists and cyclists. Like any bike tour, there were highs and lows, along the often beautiful trails, quirky towns, and some dangerous highways, leaving me with a love-hate relationship with the touted loop.

We eventually found the famed blueberry fields, turned out in their autumn colors.

The first day was hectic, getting lost immediately, but gradually regaining the route. From then on, the signage was fairly clear. It was a blustery day - trees fell across the path - and the ferry wasn't running to shorten miles through the gorgeous National Park, but it was a tailwind! We changed the first night's reservation to stay at a cabin, which meant grabbing groceries from a small market, but wine solved most of our night's problems. It was a smart move to ride a bit further to shorten the next day's long miles. The fully stocked cabin - in a campground! - was a perfect, fun, and quiet glamping experience.

Lower right, meeting Ann and her Terry Bike.

We rode in and out of showers the second day, warmed in a cafe, experienced beautiful falls, and the route periodically followed a busy highway - Route 169 would become our nemesis going forward - ending the day at a quaint hotel overlooking a river. After 55 miles, I was exhausted, and without dinner service at the hotel, it was a miracle that Adele befriended other cyclists, their tour driver thankfully giving us all a lift to a restaurant. I was ready to make do with my granola bike stash!

The 23 miles to Val Jabert, a historic village, was a quick tailwind in sublime sunshine. It seemed odd to briefly ride for 2-3 hours, but the break was welcome. We checked in early, walked around the village and the pulp mill exhibits, took the tram up beside the falls, and generally relaxed. We had a multicourse dinner in the mill restaurant and breakfast the next morning.

The fourth and final day was an enjoyable mixture of rolling bike path, back roads, and finally getting a good cup of coffee and pastries. Adele and I were previously offered watered-down coffee, when all our other Canadian adventures, bakeries, and espresso drinks were the norm. We all commented on how the tourist region was, oddly, a food desert.

The last two days were reserved for investigating the Saguenay Fjord. This was Nancy's idea, and I'm glad to have had this wonderful experience. An avid hiker and strong cyclist, she also expertly drove us around, even cool and calm in hectic Quebec City traffic. We hiked in the national park, spent time on a tidal beach, and went on an amazing whale watch tour - my first!