New England is experiencing some spectacular weather for outdoor stuff, especially bike riding. Sunny, warm and the colors are beginning to burst from the tree tops. We are not at peak color yet, but it’s coming.

Today was one of those days when we think, “this is the best bike riding day of the year”. I said that last winter. Again in the spring and not to forget that day on Martha’s Vineyard, this past summer. The best day of the year. It happened again today. For the most part. It was one of those days till the winds came. It was a stiff breeze for the last few miles putting a bit of a damper on the perfect day.

The forecast is for temperatures in the high 70’s for the next three days. I’m definitely going to take advantage of that.

Untitled from John Sullivan on Vimeo.

Saturday Morning Bike Ride

SATURDAY MORNING BIKE RIDE from John Sullivan on Vimeo.

Coffeeneuring: The First Entry

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The Coffeeneuring Challenge is in it’s 6th year. I had a blast last year working my way through the 2015 edition. Today I began my quest to complete the 2016 encore. If your a bike rider and enjoy coffee, this challenge can not only be fun, but it can act as motivation to get out and ride on those not so perfect days.

I rode a bit over 18 miles stopping early in the ride at Tia Maria’s European Cafe in New Bedford. The challenge requires not only a minimum distance but also some sort of proof of having a coffee. I did send proof via Instagram while at the cafe. I also couldn’t resist turning on my “candid” camera when some friends came in after their step class.

I decided to forego the Friday night sunset/almost full moon ride at Colt State Park in Bristol R.I. When I saw the moon rising while walking the dogs this evening, I felt a bit of regret over that decision.

Coffee Challenge ! from John Sullivan on Vimeo.

Wilbur’s Point and West Island and Full Hunter’s Moon, Ride

I’m making good progress in the Halloween bike challenge offered by the bike journal web page.

In honor of Halloween, you are invited you to participate in the Bike Journal Trick or Treat Challenge. It’s a great way to earn all that Halloween candy!

Ride at least 310 miles between October 1 and October 31.

Outdoor or indoor miles are OK. You can also report minutes instead of miles if riding indoors. If reporting time only, an equivalence of 4 minutes per mile will be used. (Thus you would need to spin for 1240 minutes (20 hours 40 minutes) to meet the challenge. You can also use any combination of the three (outdoor and indoor miles plus indoor time [not previously reported as indoor miles] to equal 310 miles).

Meeting the challenge gives you the satisfaction of guilt-free trick or treat snacking on Halloween.

Sign up for the challenge, and report your progress in this thread starting on October 1.

The full moon ride is Friday. It’s two days early, but we do them on Friday’s. I’m not in charge, just passing it on.

There will be a Sunset/ Moonlight ride on the East Bay Bike Path on 10/14/16.
Sunset will be at 6:04 PM.

Date: Friday 10/14/16.
Location: EBBP off Rt 103 near Del’s Lemonade.
Time:
Arrive: 5:00PM
Departure: 5:15PM promptly
Distance is flexible.
Rain cancels the ride.
We will ride to Colt’s State Park. Watch the sunset. Then we will proceed toward Providence till we decide to turn around.

Bikes should have adequate lighting.
Bring water, snacks, cameras and anything else you might want or need.
Helmets are highly recommended.

Wilbur’s Point and West Island from John Sullivan on Vimeo.

The Peninsula of New Bedford, MA

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I am in a couple of bike riding challenges which gives me the motivation to ride every day. Lots of things are going on during the early part of the day to keep me busy and off the bike. However, late afternoon and early evening has become prime time for my riding. Combine that with working on my video editing skills gives me plenty of motivation to ride into the early darkness.

THE PENNINSULA from John Sullivan on Vimeo.

Trail Music at Slocum’s River Reserve

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Dartmouth Natural Resources TrustThe New Bedford Symphony Orchestra (NBSO) and Dartmouth Natural Resources Trust (DNRT) put on a free informal performance featuring a duo of musicians, violinist EmmaLee Holmes-Hicks and cellist Peter Zay. The concert will take place at the beautiful Slocum’s River Reserve in Dartmouth on Monday, October 10, 2016 from 1 to 2 pm. Music program to include Disney tunes, Italian songs, ragtime, fiddle, and light classical. Bring a blanket or folding chair, or just enjoy the music while walking the Reserve.

BRINGING NATURE AND MUSIC TOGETHER from John Sullivan on Vimeo.

Mattapoisett, MA

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The old commuter bike was the choice for today’s morning ride. I made the decision to go the other way this time. To Mattapoisett, on the SouthCoast of Massachusetts.

You know that feeling when on your bike, you come across a place that you see every day, but you never see it. I found one of those today. (Above). Then I found another one.

Those off the beaten path places that unless your on a bike or walking, you never notice. I have always called them “secret places” that only the locals know about. Now I’m part of that society in Mattapoisett, who is privy to some “secret places”.

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Along the way, I switched my camera from photo to video. I did spend a lot of time choosing the music to fit the mood I was in while doing this ride. I think it works pretty good.