2012 Coffeeneuring Ride 7

My final account of the Fall 2012 version of Coffeeneuring.  My previous posts covering rides 1-3 and 4-6 blended a mix of old and new stops mostly within DC.  However I’ve been scoping out some more far flung (ok not too far) coffee purveyors lately and keeping notes on where to visit in the future.

Without further ado, my final control:

Control #7: Firehook Bakery

When: November 4, 2012

Where: 215 Pennsylvania Avenue Southeast

What: “Americano” and a giant cookie

Miles: 3.90 miles

Factoid: Does 3 stops of 7 on Pennsylvania Ave SE make it the mecca of coffeeneuring?  No, but it is a fine boulevard with many desirable places to stop.  For our final stop on the challenge (I say our because Kate visited many controls with me) I decided that we should stop at Firehook Bakery on Pennsylvania Ave.  We don’t know when this shop opened, and keep on being surprised when we walk or bike by. It is easy to forget that stretch of Penn.

With only days to the election, the nation was gripped in partisan politics – and I remembered that Firehooks other locations have a “Presidential” cookie – it seemed perfect.

On our way to the bakery we encountered a large group or people marching down East Capitol… some of these people looked funny.

And some looked fuzzy.  Ah, the Million Puppet March!  This is the kind of politics I can support!

Onward to our destination.  We found some cozy seats in the back of the shop and dug into our baked goods.  After allowing my Americano to cool slightly I took a sip… and it was just plain bad.  Like, weak brown water bad. I managed a few more gulps to make the coffeeneuring count – but dumped the remainder of my beverage.  We had more important things to do than wait in line for a re-made drink.

Ending on a down note is a bit of a bummer – but I am really looking forward to next fall!

2012 Coffeeneuring Rides 4 to 6

Days are flying by faster than necessary, and so is the  2012 Coffeeneuring Challenge.  I have three more entries to post, and that means only 1 more to go (and 2 more weekends – awesome!)

Without further ado, my second three controls:

Control #4: Peregrine Espresso

When: October 21, 2012

Where: 660 Pennsylvania Avenue Southeast

What: Americano

Miles: 6.09 miles

Factoid: Peregrine is the first coffee shop that I explored in DC, before I moved here.  Therefore it has a place in my heart (and stomach).  It helps that there is great coffee.  Kate and I rode here, then tried to get Eastern Market produce (it was closed), then rode to another grocery purveyor to get what we needed for a delicious dinner.  It was a nice early evening ride, I did some reading for class and Kate read about travel adventures.  I was jealous.

Peregrine

Control #5: Red Truck Bakery

When: October 27, 2012

Where: 22 Waterloo Street, Warrenton, VA

What: Drip Coffee, Sunflower Wheat Bread

Miles: 2.06 miles

Factoid: People like Red Truck.  I had never heard of Red Truck! But I got there just at closing, poured myself a coffee, grabbed some bread for later eating and had a nice conversation with the proprietor.  What an enjoyable place.  It took me only 0.3 miles to get there, so I drank my coffee then explored Warrenton downtown (three times) to rack up enough miles.  I will be back to sample more baked products!  It was a sad day, but coffee made it happier.

Red Truck

Control #6: Pound

When: October 28, 2012

Where: 621 Pennsylvania Ave SE

What: Double Espresso, Breakfast Sandwich

Miles: 2.26 miles

Factoid: Crystal was there, and I was there, and I saw her new bike – but I didn’t see her.  She didn’t see me.  I guess we were doing a pretty good job of incognit-ing ourselves.  The food was good, coffee acceptable as well.  Then I went to Eastern Market and procured many vegetables for later consumption. Pound!

Pound

2012 Coffeeneuring Rides 1 to 3

Wonderful fall mornings usually turn into wonderful fall days, though the initial chill requires a little bit of acclimation – or a cup of coffee.

After successfully completing the 2011 inaugural Coffeeneur Challenge, my aim for this year is a little lower (this fall is busy!) so time will tell how well I can do.  After two weeks I’ve hit three controls – leaving an average of 1 control per weekend necessary.  This weekend will include a trip to Chicago and a transfer of my first batch of home brew from primary to secondary fermenters. So there may not be much time for coffee (alas it is not a coffee stout)

So far so good. #homebrew #craftbeer #dcbeer http://t.co/1kbrmEji

—
John Roche (@dirteng) October 14, 2012

 

Without further ado, my first three controls:

Control #1: Hardee’s

When: October 6, 2012

Where: Salisbury, MD

What: Small black drip coffee

Miles: 2.45 miles

Factoid: This Hardee’s is at the starting area of the Sea Gull Century, so it was an easily bagged control.  I was dropped a few miles from the starting area, hit up some coffee, then continued to explore around Salisbury for a few more blocks.  Skirting the line of being associated with an organized event, but there was bike riding before and after the start, and by the logic outline in Section 4.3.9.1 of the Coffeeneuring bylaws, I interpret this as a success.  Also good to note, Sea Gull riders ought to buy something if using the bathrooms in this establishment before the ride.

Control #2: SOVA Espresso and Wine Bar

When: October 13, 2012

Where: 1359 H Street NE

What: “Double” Espresso, smuggled baked goods from farmers market.

Miles: 2.06 miles

Factoid: Sova is an interesting place – be sure to visit the very large upstairs lounge if the seating on the lower level is too crowded/loud/filled with toddlers.  Another good tip is to not order a double espresso – they are always the same as a single espresso (at least for me).  On occasion they have these wonderful cubes of crystal clear ice that take like 6 days to melt – so if iced coffee is your thing, hope they have those!

Control #3: Lot 38 Espresso Bar

When: October 14, 2012

Where: 1001 2nd Street SE

What: Double Espresso and reading material for work.

Miles: 4.36 miles

Factoid: Lot 38 is somewhat unassuming, but a neat find in the Navy Yard area of DC.  Seating is all upstairs, where you get a great view of a park under construction (and eye in the sky protection for your bike you locked up out front). The product is illy, so thats nice.  Wi-fi is free as well, another perk. Lastly, if you are a transportation wonk – USDOT is right across the street – maybe you’ll bump into some policy makers (woohoo!).

Utilitaire Control No. 8 – Stay Safe

Part 8 of 12 in the 2012 Utilitaire 12 revisited a #coffeeneuring spot from the fall, Pound coffee on Pennsylvania Ave.  But first a digression…

As I write this, I am thinking of the unfortunate collision this morning between a person on a CaBi and a lumber truck at U and 11th NW.  No clear understanding of what exactly happened or how the person is doing has surfaced.  It made me want to write a long post about my perspectives as a cyclist and as a driver, but in the end I gave up, realizing that the issue is just not meant for the screen.  The issues and relationships surrounding bike/car interaction should be occur in person, on the road or off.  That way we can all take a step back and realize that at the heart of the matter there are real people who are riding/driving, just like you and me – and maybe that can add some civility and weight to the conversations.

Another reason that I bring this up is because on my way to this utilitaire stop, Kate and I were taking the lane on Pennsylvania Ave (at about 6th SE).  I was at the left side of the right lane about 1 wheel behind Kate, who was riding in the center of the lane out of the door zone.  Traffic was light, and given the lane widths and on-street parking on Penn, taking the lane is the safest thing to do.

As we approached a light turning from red to green, a cyclist flew by us screaming obscenities.  Seconds later another came through in the same club kit yelling that the car following them (and us) had hit the first cyclist.  A cop car was there, and threw on his blues and pulled over the driver.  The hit cyclist, who was still riding (FAST) may or may not have come back. Her friend I think talked to the cops.  We couldn’t see what had happened, could offer no assistance, and everything appeared under control by the police.  We locked our bikes and ordered coffee, though I was flush with adrenaline and was shaky.  What had just happened? Was anyone really hurt? Could we have done something to cause, or prevent this? Thank god the car hadn’t hit Kate or I.

Cars and bikes can absolutely get along – but damn, its a scary relationship at times.  Cyclists are vulnerable road users, it is a blessing and a curse to be treated the same as cars in the eyes of the law (that’s another blog post though).

We had an espresso and a latte, a nutella scone and an egg/feta/spinach croissant.

Here is my report for Control No. 8

Control Type: Breakfast/Coffeeneuring (first use)

Date: 26 February 2012 (second ride, week four)

Destination: Pound

Distance: 2.13 miles

Who: Kate and I

Observations:

• Saddle adjustment is critical for riding enjoyment – saddle flopped again.  Fixed again and I think it is good.
• Pound breakfast sandwiches would be better if the croissant was switched to wheat bread or bagel.
• Pound has beer!
• Stay Safe

Other Notes:

None.

Photos:

Breakfast

 

Beers

Coffeeneuring Ride No. 7 – Tryst

A Ride recap for the 2011 Coffeeneuring 7 Challenge

Where:Tryst, 2459 18th Street NW

When: October 30, 2011

Why: Cruising around

Drinks: Americano, small

Eats: Brownie

Distance: 15.35 miles

The Story: After a great Halloween party in Reston at the Barns at Wolf Trap on saturday, we both felt like we needed a ride to take in the beautiful (but crisp) weather that sunday was offering.  We got home from some out of town errands late, around 3pm, and I pushed to get us out the door for coffeeneuring ride number 7 as soon as we were home.  But where to go?

We had exhausted most, but not all, of our Capitol Hill options, and I wanted to make a trip around Hains Point, so westward we went.  As we were pedaling around the park, and I was sharing new bits of information about the monuments nearby, I remembered that my mom had hoped I could pick up a copy of the new magazine/newspaper that a blogger she follows had just started publishing (Design Sponge) – she can’t get it in Connecticut and I was tasked to find a copy and mail it to her.  Tryst was one place that supposedly stocked the newspaper, and that is how it became our final coffeeneuring destination.

I had never been, but the bikes outside were a good an welcome sign.  Inside the place was packed – there was no way we were going to find a seat… we ordered “to-go” and decided to drink our coffees outside leaning on our bikes.

Waiting for the good stuff...

My americano was incredible, it may be my new favorite coffee drink.  The brownie was ok… I think I would have rather gone for a chocolate chip cookie though!

Americano cooling down before drinking outside Tryst. Wood barrel courtesy of Madams Organ.

Once we were done with this great coffeeneuring adventure we rode off through Le Droit Park and into Bloomingdale, making a stop at a new bar/restaurant that will fold nicely into a new long-term challenge for myself (like the ongoing MonumentalDC series).  You’ll have to stay tuned for that one… just like I am staying tuned for the next cycling challenge from the Chasing Mailboxes blog.

Coffeeneuring Ride No. 6 – Pound (the hill)

A Ride recap for the 2011 Coffeeneuring 7 Challenge

Where:Pound, 621 Pennsylvania Ave SE

When: October 23, 2011

Why: Thirst

Drinks: Espresso (double)

Eats: Banana Walnut Strudel with Chocolate Chips

Distance: 2.03 miles (just made it!)

The Story: This post is nearly a week old, but I am sitting here pretty much trapped at home – wondering how it could possibly be below 40 degrees on October 29th – and wanting to get out and ride to complete the Coffeeneuring challenge!  But memories of better times are still fresh in my head, like last sunday for instance.

After a nice morning spent doing some chores, like cleaning up the front yard before the leaves really start to fall we decided to grab a late coffee lunch close to home.  We headed out, initially to Peregrine espresso but I insisted that it had to be a new challenge stop – so we stopped into Pound coffee around the corner instead.  It looks like they are starting some kind of new brunch and seating was full, so no tasty sandwich for me, just an espresso and one of those good looking banana walnut strudel please.  Both items were as tasty as normal at Pound, but I really wish I had gotten an egg sandwich.

We were fortunate to grab a stool near the front of the shop, and between bites and sips we discussed what we should do for the rest of the day.  The weather was beautiful, none of our favorite football teams were playing… we decided to open up the windows and doors to the apartment and let the outside come in.  Little did we know the change of fortunes we would have only 6 days later!  We stopped by the market to pick up some beers, chips and avocados for my awesome guacamole recipe I saw online a few month ago (equal parts avocado, tomato, red onion, a little bit of fresh cilantro, one jalapeno, squirt of lemon juice).  My panniers were only partially full after that stop, so we dropped by the Eastern Market farmers market to see what our favorite stand, Agora Farms had for us.  I grabbed a pumpkin, some beef jerky, and some zucchini and really filled the bags up!  It is so fun to use your bike to carry stuff around.

And there you have it – 6 rides down… 1 to go.  I hope the weather clears up!

Coffeeneuring Ride No. 6 - Pound

Coffeeneuring Ride No. 5 – Baked and Wired

A Ride recap for the 2011 Coffeeneuring 7 Challenge

Where: Baked & Wired, 1052 Thomas Jefferson Street NW

When: October 22, 2011

Why: Errands in the city

Drinks: Espresso (double)

Eats: Nut bar thing

Distance: 10.25 miles

The Story: What a bike riding adventure!  On saturday morning we set off with empty panniers to the H Street farmers market to scope out this weeks selection.  Farmers market season may be winding down, at least in terms of the good summer veggies, but there was some nice stuff to be found.  We stocked up on green beans, heirloom tomatoes and kale.  We have a killer turkey and kale chili recipe that will be a staple throughout the fall and winter months.  I also picked up a few garlic bulbs in hopes that I can break them apart and replant in the garden (I’ll let you know if we have an excess of garlic in early summer!).

Proof of Farming Skills - 2011 Jalapeno Harvest

After I loaded all of our finds into the panniers, we spun off towards home to drop the goods, lest we damage the more delicate finds.
Now unloaded we headed off towards the convention center, where Kate had heard of a few good coffee shops that we should check into.  We should have known better – everything was a week-day only location. Neither of us work downtown, which we used as our excuse – but it was a bummer that we spent the time to investigate which shops to hit.

The good news is that our downtown coffee stop wasn’t the final destination we had planned for the day.  We wanted to stop by Paper Source in Georgetown to grab some colorful envelopes – and lo and behold, there was a place that sounded right up our alley just down the street.  Baked & Wired is a dual coffee shop and baked goods store.  The place was packed and there were plenty of nice bikes parked outside, so our earlier disappointment was thrown away pretty quickly.  Packed with the young and beautiful (or so they thought they were?), this place felt a little too hip for its own good – but at the same time felt refreshingly fun and reminded me of some favorite coffee shops in Somerville and Cambridge, MA.  I ordered an espresso, Kate a cappuccino – and they wrote our names on our cups with a hot pink grease pen. Fun!  As we shuffled through the crowd from the “wired” side of the store to the “baked” side of the store we set off on finding the perfect complement to our drinks.  I picked a salty/sweet combo peanut/caramel type bar thing (honestly, it was like a baby ruth bar, but square).  Kate found a pumpkin something and something muffin.  I’ll be damned if I remember what was in it, I was distracted by the people working behind the counter who were quizzing my on my glasses.  I guess they liked them – I’ve never gotten that much random attention directed towards my spectacles before, but I guess I did a good job picking them out!

After leisurely enjoying our treats in the chairs outside, and admiring the dogs whose owners were nowhere to be found, we set off back home.  We had a date with Wal*Mart (ugh, but we did need to find some items for our Halloween costumes)

Coffeeneuring No. 5 - Baked & Wired

Coffeeneuring Ride No. 4 – Ebenezers Coffeehouse

A Ride recap for the 2011 Coffeeneuring 7 Challenge

Where: Ebenezers Coffeehouse, 201 F Street NE

When: October 16, 2011

Why: Coffee

Drinks: Espresso, medium

Eats: None

Distance: 2.73 miles

The Story:  With three weekends left in the Coffeeneuring Challenge and only 3 shops down, I knew that I would need to sneak in one opportunity this past weekend to have a chance of getting in a full 7 stops.  On saturday I rode in the Sea Gull Century, then on sunday morning Kate and I rode through Princess Anne - but the coffeeshop we had planned to visit was closed…

After maxing and relaxing on the Eastern Shore we headed back to Real World DC to do some grocery shopping, laundry and other life-job types of things to get ready for the week.

I decided that in the fading moments of daylight that I would head down to Ebenezers Coffeehouse a few blocks away to grab some espresso and at least complete one more challenge stop for the month.  Since it was such a short ride there I paired it with a quick trip to a local monument for my MonumentalDC series to get the necessary mileage.  I might actually be a little off on the mileage since I had to use my iphone GPS (which loves to cut corners off of streets) since I lost my cyclo-computer somewhere on the shore that morning. 

The espresso and the beautiful sky were a nice way to end the weekend and ease back into the real world.  This week has been a bear and it shows no sign of letting up just yet!  I’m getting worried about completing the challenge given my schedule ahead – but if not, c’est la vie!  There will always be more challenges ahead.

Sunday Evening Coffee

Coffeeneuring Ride No. 3 – Chinatown Coffee Co.

A Ride recap for the 2011 Coffeeneuring 7 Challenge

Where: Chinatown Coffee Co., 475 H Street NW

When: October 8, 2011

Why: For coffee and a bite to eat

Drinks: Coffee, black, small

Eats: Sesame bagel, not-toasted, cream cheese

Distance: 3.75 miles

The Story: We didn’t make it to an entirely new place this past weekend, but I am glad we made it for coffeeneuring at all!  The Chinatown Coffee Co. is a place that Kate has been before, and was recommended by our good friend and former roommate in Boston who frequented the shop during his time in DC.  The shop was sparsely decorated, which is fine by me, had lots of cute toddlers (fun to watch), and played a great mix of music at an entirely appropriate volume (not overwhelmingly loud, not so quiet you have to stop conversation to hear your favorite tune).

You can tell they take great pride in their coffee, even my regular no-frills drip coffee was tasty and satisfying.  My bagel with cream cheese on the other hand was a total bummer.  No option for toasting makes for an unhappy John.  The granola/yogurt mix had some rocking granola, but the yogurt was vanilla (not plain) and a bit overly sweet.   It was a nice quick trip, as we had to make it back home to shower and get ready for a Baltimore wedding.  To make it even more urgent, I needed to learn how to tie a bow-tie… not an easy task!  It came out well in the end, I got some compliments, so I may be a bow-tie convert. 

With 3 weekends left and 4 shops to go sounds like it should be a breeze – but we’ll be away all this coming weekend at the Seagull Century (and as I read the rules, a stop for coffee while riding in this event would not be allowed).  So that means 4 days for 4 trips – bad weather, the potential for visitors, etc, etc may all impact the ability to finish successfully.  I might even have to resort to a Starbucks or Dunkins run on sunday night this weekend to get a qualifying event.

Coffeeneuring Ride No. 3 - Chinatown Coffee Co.

Coffeeneuring Ride No. 2 – Azi’s Cafe

A Ride recap for the 2011 Coffeeneuring 7 Challenge

Where: Azi’s Cafe, 1336 9th Street NW

When: October 2, 2011

Why: For coffee, and also grocery shopping

Drinks: Coffee, black, small

Eats: Sesame bagel, toasted, cream cheese

Distance: 6.9 miles

The Story:  There is one thing you should know about my selection of future coffee shops – Kate and I like to try new places.  Now, that’s not to say that we don’t have favorite local businesses (Argonaut, Taylor Gourmet, etc), but life is boring if you stick with one place and don’t explore!

One of my resolutions for 2009 was to try 1 new restaurant, bar and shop with Kate each month.  I tracked them on a google map to see where we had been.  The rules were simple, avoid chain restaurants, we had to go together, neither could have been there before, purchases not necessary, but encouraged.  I still track every new spot we visit together for the first time, almost 3 years later.

So, after a bit of yelping, Kate decided that Azi’s Cafe in Shaw would be our coffee/breakfast destination on Sunday morning.  We could add it to our list, and it offered a great spot to sit, chat, and figure out what we want to make for dinner.  Azi’s, which according to my research opened in the spring of 2005 is a nice local Shaw business – and one we were happy to support.

The coffee was very tasty, breakfast not too bad either.  I wish we had ordered food that was a little more exciting, but an afternoon of baking was ahead, and I knew there would be many treats.

Afterwards we headed over to the Whole Foods to pick up supplies, where some friendly cyclists appreciated Kate’s knit U-lock sleeve, and inquired about what types of tours we do (or haven’t don’t YET). 

A great morning/afternoon together, in our new city (when will it feel like it’s not new to us? I guess 2.5 years), a new spot for our map, and ride No. 2 for the Coffeeneuring Challenge!

Azi's Cafe, Challenge Ride No. 2