Coffee Outside PDX and Coffeeneuring: they go together.

Yesterday, I enjoyed one of my longest rides this year, nearly 9 miles round trip, to meet up with folks at Skidmore Bluffs for Coffee Outside. It’s was a gorgeous morning, a little warm for this time of year but still very pleasant. Not having a smartphone or GPS, I simply printed out the section of the Portland Bicycle Map that included a few good choices for routes and clipped it to my handlebars.

The ride took me along quiet residential streets whose trees were beginning their turn from green to gold and orange, past old Craftsman-styled houses with inviting front porches and schools whose playgrounds were dotted with a few kids. A cat sunned itself in an east-facing window. Lycra-clad club riders raced past me, calling out a cheery “Good morning!” and waving, their skinny road tires humming along the asphalt.

I got a little turned around on my way to the Bluffs, and wound up going up and over the footpath that crosses above the freeway at Going Street. I surprised myself by climbing without shifting gears. My legs felt good, even if I was winded and slow.

I left my house around 8:30, thinking that I could easily arrive by a little after 9. But getting lost and doubling back a few blocks had me arriving closer to 9:45, where a dozen or more riders were already gathered under a large oak tree, sprawled on the grass and preparing coffee at an assortment of camp stoves. I set down my contribution of mini apple turnovers (a baker’s dozen for five bucks at Safeway!), inflated my little cushion and sat down in a circle of friends. We spent the next hour-plus chatting, catching up, drinking coffee and munching on a variety of pastries, donuts and fresh figs while the sun rose higher in the sky and warmed our backs. I have grown to really appreciate Coffee Outside for its conviviality and lack of expectations. People ride bikes, show up, brew and drink coffee and delight in each other’s company. When we’re done, we ride away lighter and more hopeful than before. 

As long as I can keep riding my bike, I’ll try to join up with this bunch of lovely folks.

The 15th edition of the Coffeeneuring Challenge begins October 11. Details will be forthcoming soon. But basically, you ride your bike twice each week to a different location — a coffee shop, a park, a trailside rest stop — and enjoy a warm beverage. Document your rides with write-ups and maybe a photo or two, and if you complete the minimum of seven or eight rides within the several weeks of the Challenge, you can send away for an official patch. Or you can just enjoy the bragging rights. It’s a nice way to extend your riding season, especially if you live in a colder climate and you’re coming up against the rain or snow of late fall/early winter. If you want to participate, save the link above and check back regularly. Rules will be posted there soon.

The summer weather is taking a little longer to leave this year, with high still near 80F some days. But the lows are creeping down into the mid 50s at night, which is a relief. I hope to be able to keep riding when the weather finally turns colder and wetter, at least a little each week.

Autumn begins today. The Jewish holiday of Rosh Hashanah begins tomorrow evening. And we turn and keep turning with the world. Happy turning, and happy riding.

(Photo: Skidmore Bluffs. Unknown)