coffeeneuring challenge #2

10 october 2015

Traffic is light on a Saturday morning.

I didn’t have to work this weekend which is rare for me. I wanted to ride someplace not so close. I chose to go to Starbuck’s on Bruce B Downs and Richmond Park Dr. I chose a longer route to get in more miles.

It was foggy along Kinnan and I had to remove my glasses because they kept fogging up. I can see well enough to ride with them.

I rode along Cross Creek which does not have bike lanes nor a MUP. The sidewalk is narrow and bumpy from tree roots.

Cross Creek turns into New Tampa Blvd. It does not have a bike lane but does have a MUP. I tried it but found it is terrible shape. It is bumpy asphalt and narrows in too many spots. I chose to ride in the road.

I turned onto Highwoods Preserve Pkwy which has unmarked bike lanes.

My 20 year old Trek still rolling.

I didn’t see any bike racks at Starbuck’s but the outdoor seating is surrounded by a low, metal fence. I chained my bike to the fence while I went inside to order my tea.

Inside was very cold. I ordered an iced soy chai and was happy to get out of there as soon as possible. I drink my tea and got back to riding.

I road along Bruce B Downs. There is a MUP along the road which is pretty wide and usually debris free. Just north of the Trout Creek, sand has built up in a low spot that could be hazardous.

The MUP stops at Pebble Creek. There is a narrow side walk a bit farther but I chose to stay in the road. The sidewalk becomes a boardwalk and it is not wide enough to pass someone going the other way. The boardwalk has not been maintained and there are rotting boards.

Back on my usual loop.

I didn’t turn back home but road farther to get in more miles.