Coffeeneuring Challenge #6

5 november 2015

I saved the two closest coffee shops in case I only had time for  a short ride. I had to work in the evening but felt like riding longer than the 3 miles to Starbucks. I could have ridden two loops around my usual route but Coffeenuering has gotten me used to taking new routes. There aren't many options from my house but I planned a route to go a little farther than I had been before. 
The route to SR54 was familiar and so was SR54. However, I turned north at Curley Road. I have been on the road many times in my car. I knew it was narrow but didn’t realize how narrow until I was on the bike. There is no bike lane and no shoulder. The speed limit is 45 mph for much of my route but does increase to 55mph for the last block or so.

SR54 at Bruce B Downs

I turned on Wells Road. The boys’ school as well as two other schools are on this road. School was in session so the road was quiet. I turned south again on Boyette Road. This road is also narrow. The speed limit is 30 mph but most people drive 40 mph or faster.
I turned west on SR54 and continued to Bruce B Downs. BBD was widened a few years ago and includes a bike lane as well as a MUP. I rode in the bike lane until I realized the MUP was empty and paved.

Bruce B Downs at SR56

There is no sidewalk along the front of the shopping center. To get to Starbucks, I had to ride through several parking lots. I felt particularly vulnerable riding through the parking lots. Starbucks is not bicycle friendly. There is no bike rack and I had to lock my bike to an umbrella stand.

I decided to try the Orange Mango Smoothie even though I am not a fan of mango nor bananas in smoothies. The smoothie was thick and the banana smothered the taste of mango.I got a slice of Washington Apple Pound Cake. It was dry bland and disappointing.

Washington Apple Pound Cake and Orange Mango Smoothie, 630 calories

I had two choices to go home. One is easier to ride except for the wind. The other route requires crossing BBD twice because there is no sidewalk on the east side of the road. I opted for the shorter in length but probably longer in time route.

Aronwood Blvd at County Line Road