I thought I’d knock out another coffeeneuring ride before riding in Trek’s 2014 Breast Cancer Awareness Ride (BCAR). However, I arrived to find a very social environment and wound up putting off my next hot chocolate ride. I thought I’d grab a cup after the BCAR. But I was sore, unfamiliar with the local traffic and knew I could use the coffeneuring run as a recovery ride the following day. I left my bike in the car that evening and went out for hot chocolate the first thing Sunday morning, October 12th.

I began my ride at U.S. Coast Guard Training Center Yorktown, a small military base that’s quietly nestled behind the historic Yorktown Battlefields. Even the locals don’t realize there may be around 1000 people there at nearly any given time. Most Yorktown visitors approach within a quarter-mile of the base and don’t even realize it’s there. It was a bit cooler and more windy than when I left home. I thought I might have under-dressed. I hoped to feel warmer once I got moving and into tree cover. I was right… but just barely.

I rode five miles to a nearby Dunkin Donuts (6605 George Washington Memorial Hwy) along quiet back roads that are popular with my local bike club. My route included a shortcut on a one-way tour road. I resisted the urge to indulge in donuts or pastries. It all smelled good, though. I’m losing weight and just stuck with the hot chocolate.

I found the location to be fairly bike-friendly during this time of the year. I could have easily locked my bike to the steel rails outside. This could be intrusive during the summer months when the shop may be more crowded. But it certainly wasn’t a problem during my visit. I had never been inside this store and was pleased to see power outlets at each table. Each outlet also included two USB ports. I had no need for them. But it’s good for those who may pass through on bicycles.    I took “the long way” back to the base since the battlefield tour roads are one-way. My total ride was 12 miles.

There’s another coffee shop I can knock out from the Coast Guard base. I’ll save the shorter ride for a potentially cold or rainy day. I’m hoping to lead a group of riders to a more distant shop in the coming weeks. I’m watching the weather forecast. Perhaps next week will work. I’ll see you then!

Recovered,

Scott